TWO thirds of people do not take environmental concerns into account when making travel choices, yet almost half the population says reducing travel pollution must be a top priority, according to a new RAC survey. The survey of 1,385 people found that they were concerned about environmental issues, but did not think of the impact which their own travel might be making.

When asked to consider the three most important transport issues, the results were: Cleaner air (43%), better public transport (40%), and less traffic in towns and (40%). However, 76% of respondents said they never took environmental issues into account when choosing modes of transport.

RAC director of technology David Bizley said: 'Cars are cleaner than ever before, but RAC survey findings show a high level of public concern about air pollution. Yet motorists still have a 'green knowledge gap' about how their own cars cause polluting emissions, and how simple, regular maintenance can often put the problems right.'

The survey findings were announced as the RAC warned politicians at this week's Labour Party conference that crucial European environmental legislation was in danger of being undermined. The RAC put its case to Labour politicians at a fringe meeting on Monday.

It is claimed that ambitious clean air targets for the year 2000 - to be achieved through a combination of cleaner fuels and new in-car technology - are in jeopardy because some oil industry lobbyists believe the costs of improving fuels are too high.