More than 9 in 10 'would buy an eco-friendly van model if prices were reduced'

Date: 12/3/2010

Over 90 per cent of owners of non low-carbon vans would be incentivised to by a more eco-friendly model if purchase costs were reduced, a new survey from the Department for Transport has shown.

Of those surveyed who had a low-carbon van, 91 per cent stated their reason for choosing a more eco-friendly model was reduced operating costs.

Some 82 per cent stated environmental concerns were behind their choice of vehicle.

The figures come from a survey of van owners carried out last summer, which asked owners about their reasons for buying and not buying low carbon vans.

According to the survey, there is no difference between the weekly distance travelled by low carbon vans in comparison to all vans.

Owners of non low carbon vans also stated that they would be incentivised to buy a more eco-friendly model if it had improved performance, such as carrying capacity or reliability including battery life.

Meanwhile, the average carbon emissions from a car in the UK fell last year, according to new figures.