There are much worse pollutants then cars, study claims

Today's cars are less polluting to the environment than electricity generation and industrial waste in the UK, claims a new report.

Cars account for just 14 per cent of all CO2 emissions in the UK, compared to 32 per cent from electrical power stations and 24 per cent from industry.

These surprising findings were divulged in the Institute of Advance Motorists (IAM) Energy Use and CO2 Emissions report, which was cited by Telegraph.co.uk.

The driving and road safety body said people's perception that cars and aircraft are the two biggest carbon polluters were just plain wrong. In fact households generate just as much CO2 as cars do.

This makes car hire an even more attractive and 'guilt-free' means of travel as motorists are only likely to really use the car when they need it, as opposed to 'just nipping down the shops' with.

"Despite what many green experts may say, Britain's drivers and the motoring industry are doing their bit to reduce carbon emissions," said IAM director of policy and research Neil Greig in an iam.org.uk statement.

"Drivers are shifting to greener engines and have embraced incentives like cheaper vehicle excise duty for more fuel efficient models.

"Manufacturers should also take credit for producing models across the range that are cleaner and greener. But driving style is crucial - the best fuel-saver is a light right foot and anticipation of the road ahead," added Mr Greig.