More than half of drivers said they felt they were being forced to consider lower emissions cars because of the government's introduction of a “showroom tax”.

Three-quarters of those polled believed the government was using tax to penalise drivers rather than introducing positive incentives to buy green cars.

The survey, carried out by insurer swiftcover.com, also found that consumers were not choosing to buy greener vehicles because of the limited choice available. For those planning to acquire a new vehicle in the next 12 months, only 17 per cent said there was a vehicle on the market that met their or their family's needs. Almost half of motorists said a wider choice of environmentally vehicles was needed and 23 per cent said the government should pressurise carmakers into manufacturing greener models. “While environmentally friendly and alternative fuel cars are the future, British drivers have yet to fully embrace green motoring,” said Craig Staniland, underwriting director of swiftcover.com. “More is needed to help drivers make the transition.”