Drivers taking the car on short journeys

Millions of motorists are failing in their efforts to help the environment by carrying out unnecessary numbers of short journeys each week, new research reveals.

A study conducted by Abbey Credit Cards has found that 13 per cent of motorists make six or more journeys of less than one kilometre on a weekly basis.

However, 54 per cent of motorists state they feel guilty for the amount of short trips they embark on, with 49 per cent stating they are replacing the short road trips with long walks.

Callum Gibson, head of Abbey Credit Cards, commented: "For some the 'guilt' in the 'guilt trips' is to do with their carbon footprint, for others, it's about the cost of making those trips."

London motorists are the most guilty of the problem, with drivers making an average of 2.71 short trips each week.

Walking over driving may also allow a person to make savings on their car insurance quote, as using a car less will reduce their risk of having an accident.

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