Key points from the report:
1. Method of travel
Travelling by car or van was the most popular method of travel by respondents in the last 12 months, either as a driver (72%), or as a passenger (66%).
In total, 94% of the respondents had used a car or van as either a driver or passenger.
Travelling by bus (48%) or taxi (42%) were the next most popular methods of travel.
2. Potential for behavioural change
Just over half of the respondents (54%) believed that individuals should try to limit their car use for the sake of the environment, with most of the remaining respondents (45%) believing there was no point, as not enough individuals would participate in order for it to make a difference.
3. Reasons for decreasing car/van emissions
Just over half the respondents (52%) who were prepared to reduce their car emissions stated that the increased cost of fuel was their main reason for reducing car use.
Environmental concern (11%) and improving fitness (10%) were the next most popular responses for reducing car emissions.
4. Policies to reduce car/van emissions
All respondents were asked what local actions or policies taken by the government would encourage people to reduce their emissions. The dominant responses included reducing the cost of public transport (58%) and spending more on bus (57%) or rail (40%) services.
Respondents were surveyed using the Northern Ireland Omnibus Survey January 2009. The publication is produced by the Central Statistics and Research Branch (CSRB) of the Department for Regional Development and is available on the CSRB website at http://www.drdni.gov.uk/index/statistics/stats-catagories.htm
Notes to Editors:
1. Background to Public Perceptions on Car Emissions January 2009
Public Perceptions on Car Emissions January 2009 is a statistical bulletin on public opinion regarding car/van emissions. Members of the public were interviewed using the Northern Ireland Omnibus Survey January 2009.
2. Official Statistics
This is an Official Statistics publication and therefore follows the Code of Practise for Official Statistics. You can find further information about the Code of Practice at: http://www.statisticsauthority.gov.uk/assessment/code-of-practice/index.html
3. For further information please contact:
Central Statistics and Research Branch Department for Regional Development Clarence Court 10-18 Adelaide Street Belfast BT2 8GB
