FEAR of crime is one of the major obstacles to encouraging people on to public transport. The AA's Great British Motorist 1998 report found that on bus, train, underground and even taxi, members of the public felt unsafe, especially during the night.

It corresponds with an increase in crime rates, with the risk of being a victim rocketing since 1961, meaning you are now more likely to be a victim of violent crime than involved in a serious injury car accident. The AA report said: 'For many people, the car has become the only secure way to move about. The risk of being a crime victim is now 20 times greater than in 1961.'