The RAC’s 2010 Report on Motoring reveled that less than a quarter of motorists care about the environment; however, more than three quarters are ready to purchase an environmentally-friendly car if they are given better incentives.

A survey by RAC found 74 per cent of motorists saying that they would go for an environmentally-friendly car if tax and other incentives were better, but 16 per cent of the respondents still said that they were not ready to change their behavior until they were forced to do so.

Around 33 per cent of the respondents said they would drive how they liked regardless of the environment.

Car-makers are focusing on producing more and more fuel efficient. Moreover, a range of hybrid and electric cars are being made available for purchase, but according to the RAC report, motorists are yet to be convinced about environmentally-friendly cars.

But, the British government has refused to offer more incentives on fuel-efficient and electric vehicles. Business secretary Vince Cable said the previous government’s promise to offer subsidies of up to £5,000 on electric cars was only under consideration.

Speaking on the topic, he said, “Our starting point is very clear. We've moved on from the era of subsidies.”

Environmentally-friendly cars are necessary to help Britain to achieve its 2020 target on cutting carbon emissions as road transport is one of the main causes of greenhouse gas emissions in Britain.

It may be noted here that the British government has an aim to hack greenhouse gas emissions by 34 per cent on 1990 levels by 2020.