halfords news

Despite ongoing pressures to reduce carbon emissions and get behind the wheel less, car use is the norm and until there are better alternatives, people will continue to use them, the RAC said this week.

Speaking at the 7th International Mo.Ve Mobility Forum, RAC Foundation research development manager Elizabeth Dainton said it is not that simple for consumers to suddenly stop driving.

Not only is the car an "important" element of modern-day life, but vehicle ownership is a factor in people's choices of where to work and live, she explained.

Any legislation on a reduction in driving should "not be implemented without a full understanding of the social and economic consequences of limiting travel horizons by reducing car use", Ms Dainton added.

However, there are a lot of ways you can help to reduce your car's emissions via some care and maintenance.

Make sure the tyres are properly inflated (if not, this means the engine has to work much harder) and consider buying a satnav to stop wasting fuel when you get lost on unknown roads.