British motorists are becoming more and more willing to help the environment, according to a new study.

Research by car insurance firm Admiral found that car owners in the UK are extremely reluctant to consider travelling by other means.

However, they are prepared to make slight changes to their behaviour, as they are concerned about our ecological future.

For example, the proportion of drivers who car share has gone up from 19 per cent in 2008 to 24 per cent this year.

Meanwhile, nearly two-thirds of respondents said they would consider purchasing a hybrid or electric car.

Sue Longthorn, managing director of Admiral, commented: "We have definitely seen a shift in opinion among motorists on the environment."

Britain's government recently announced new targets for reducing carbon emissions over the next decade, while a coordinated global strategy should hopefully be agreed in Copenhagen later this year.

The fact that public opinion is visibly swaying towards going green could potentially encourage political leaders to take more decisive action about protecting the planet.