Brussels, 26/07/2007 (Agence Europe) - According to the results of a Eurobarometer survey published on Thursday, the car remains the European citizens' preferred mode of transport, although they acknowledge that public transport can have a positive impact on traffic conditions and that more investment in public transport is needed. A small majority of Europeans are ready to pay more for less polluting means of transport but are not willing to give up their car in favour of public transport.
A majority of EU citizens (51%) name the car as their main mode of transport (81% of EU citizens have a car in their household). This is followed by public transport (21%), walking (15%) and motorbike (2%). Public transport is used more frequently in the 12 new member states (except Cyprus) and in southern Europe: 45% in Latvia, 37% in Slovakia, 30% in Spain, 3% in Cyprus, 16% in France and Belgium and 18% in the United Kingdom. In Cyprus, 88% of citizens prefer the car, followed by the French and Irish (69%). Few Europeans (26%) say, however, that they are ready to give up their car and use public transport, although they agree this would allow them to make considerable petrol savings. Respondents consider, moreover, that improvements must be made in the frequency and punctuality of public transport (29%), as well as with regard to connection (28%), the proximity of bus stops to place of residence (12%) and safety (6%).
An overwhelming majority (90% of respondents) feel that the traffic situation in their area should be improved by means of a better public transport system (49%), introducing limitations in the city centres (17%), speed limits (17%) or charges for road usage (5%). The majority of Europeans (60%) do not agree with the statement that all road users should pay for congestion and environmental damage through road tolls, while 35% do. A slim majority of EU citizens is prepared to pay more to use less polluting transport (54%). Among this majority, 45% would accept rises of 10% or more. This conviction is mainly shared by the Irish (67%) and Italians (62%), against only 21% of Bulgarians.
The full survey, which also covers air safety/security themes and passengers' rights may be consulted at: http: //ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/index_en.htm. (aby)