The findings from the price comparison web site show that more than half of motorists (52%) consider it important or very important to cut down on their CO2 emissions, and are taking action to be greener.

The research has also revealed the UK's greenest cities for motorists, with Peterborough leading the charge, with just 142.03g/km emissions per registered car.


At the opposite end of the spectrum, London was named as the worst city for CO2 emissions, with 176.95g/km per registered car, followed by St Albans, Brighton and Hove, Cambridge and Chelmsford.

The research also found that almost two-thirds of motorists (62%) say they simply aren’t conscious about being a green motorist, with more than a third (36%) saying they have no idea what the CO2 emissions are for their current vehicle.



And many motorists are deterred by the cost involved in opting for a lower-emission car, with a third (33%) admitting that they would like to own a “one but think they’re too expensive, with a similar number (37%) arguing that the Government should be doing more to make ‘green’ cars more affordable. 



Meanwhile more than half of people (52%) arguing that councils should be doing more to promote carless travel in cities to help reduce CO2 emissions. However, the idea of carless cities is a polarising subject for motorists, with four in 10 motorists (40%) arguing that because they pay their road tax, they should be allowed to drive wherever they want. 



To investigate this further, Confused.com has produced an in-depth report examining the concept of carless cities. The report, written in conjunction with experts from across the town planning, transport and insurance fields, poses the question – could UK cities adapt to become carless in 20 years times? 



Gemma Stanbury, head of motor at Confused.com, said: ‘With so many Brits relying on their cars for work and other commitments, it’s unrealistic to think that people will be able to do without their cars, but it’s encouraging to see that many drivers are making an effort to become greener. 



‘With cities like London already operating congestion charges to cut down on traffic in the centre of the city, more cities might follow suit as they try and cut down on emissions. More environmentally friendly cars can, potentially, mean smaller engines and, therefore, cheaper insurance for drivers.’