High tax, fuel prices, insurance and general maintenance costs were pointed to as hardships for motorists.

Despite 46 per cent complaining of the expense, however, the survey conducted by green car club WhizzGo, found nearly a quarter of Britons leave their cars almost permanently parked.

Twenty-three per cent of those surveyed admitted to driving their cars less than one hour a day.

The survey also found a strong concern for the environment but an inability for motorists to reduce their carbon footprints.

While 29 per cent said the environmental effects of cars were a concern, more than a third – 34 per cent – said they would like to buy a greener car but could not afford one.

WhizzGo managing director Charlotte Morton said: “People need cars but they are becoming fed up with the cost of owning one, especially when they only need one sporadically.”