A CONGESTION charge of £5 per day would deter fewer than 50% of motorists from driving into city centres, according to a new report.

A survey published by Churchill Insurance says 68% of people do not think the Government will reduce congestion by forcing drivers to pay for road use.

The Mori poll suggested that congestion charging would not work because drivers remain wedded to their cars, highlighting the fact that 54% of London drivers believe the £5 a day congestion charge would not discourage them from driving in to the City.

The report said that 45% of motorists would not give up using their cars under any circumstances.

In addition, 59% of drivers aged between 45 and 54 refused to give up travelling to work by car because they had 'no alternative'.

Charles Crawford, Churchill executive director, said: 'It is clear from our survey that the majority of motorists have deep reservations about the car congestion-charging scheme.'