MOST MPs drive cars in preference to travelling by public transport because of convenience, according to a new report. The survey, carried out prior to May's General Election, also reveals that 69% considered their car to be a necessity, 47% drove a car with an engine size over 2.3 litres, 71% normally travelled alone in their vehicles and 55% were likely to break the 70 mph motorway speed limit.

The findings are contained in a report from the Vehicle Systems Research Centre at the Bolton Institute of Higher Education called 'The Car and the Environment - is the habit of the Members of Parliament Good for your Health?'

Around 100 MPs responded to the survey, and the results have been published just a week after the launch of a Government consultation document called 'Developing an Integrated Transport Policy' which looks at possible alternative transport methods to the car and has been released ahead of next spring's transport white paper.

Prime Minster Tony Blair, Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, who is heading the Government's bid for an integrated transport policy, Transport Minister Glenda Jackson, Conservative Party leader William Hague and Liberal Democrat Party leader Paddy Ashdown have been sent the survey results. None of them was among the 100 or so MPs - out of 600 contacted - who completed the survey questionnaire.