A survey out today shows that the number of cars in the UK has risen by almost one third in the last decade. The report, by the RAC Foundation, found that car dependency has steadily increased, despite Government targets for an 80% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050.

But despite the increasing number of cars, the report "The Car in British Society", showed young people might be getting the message to make greater use of public transport, even while car usage in those aged over 70 was growing rapidly. Foundation director Stephen Glaister said: "The British are not addicted to driving, but they are car-reliant. More than four out of five people say they would find it difficult to use their cars less"

David Begg, former government transport adviser, said the argument with the public needed to be rephrased. Rather than claiming road taxes would improve public transport, it should be a question of road taxes or increased income tax.

He said: "We are sending out the wrong message – we would need to lower the cost of public transport. What government needs to do is try to change travel behaviour. We are a small island with the most congested roads in Europe and the highest car ownership. What the RAC have recognised is that without some kind of road pricing, journeys are going to get longer and unbearable."

Read The Car in British Society