North West drivers sceptical of eco-friendly cars

A poll commissioned by the 2010 Bridgestone Eco Rally found that a quarter of people in the North West would not consider buying or driving an eco-friendly vehicle.

Of that number, more than a third believe electric and hydrogen-powered cars and motorbikes would be a hassle to fill up or charge.

Sustainable transport has a huge role to play in combating climate change, but the survey reveals that people in the city are reluctant to make the switch.

For example, 36% of those who would not consider an eco-friendly vehicle believe that low or zero emission vehicles would be too expensive to buy and 11% think that they would be too expensive to run. Another concern for 36% is whether such a car or motorbike would be as powerful as a standard vehicle.

TV motoring journalist Quentin Wilson, who has driven in the last three Eco-Rallies, said: “These stats prove that there is a lot of confusion and myth about green cars, particularly about range, cost and performance. The biggest challenge is getting people to drive these cars. Once they do, all doubts evaporate.

“However, huge strides are being made in this area and we are keen to demonstrate that sustainable motoring really has hit the mainstream.”