GOVERNMENT calls for motorists to use their cars less frequently are falling on deaf ears, according to research by Lease Plan. The leasing and fleet management company has found that the number of drivers using their cars on a regular basis for journeys of less than one mile has increased from 56% last year to 61% in 1999.

More than a quarter (26%) of UK drivers believe public transport is too unreliable, while 18% described it as too expensive. Nick Salkeld, Lease Plan's commercial director, said: 'Changing people's attitudes towards alternative forms of transport is a huge challenge for both Government and businesses alike. Journeys of less than one mile are the most damaging to the environment because vehicle emissions are at their highest, even from new cars, when a car is first started.'