Most motorists value being able to use their car more than any environmental considerations, according to a new survey.

Only 48 per cent said the environment meant more to them than driving, and among motorists aged 17 to 24, some 62 per cent cared less about the environment, the RAC Foundation survey found.

The only group that put environmental considerations on a par with motoring was the over-65s.

The survey revealed that drivers are concerned about Government expenditure on health and education and give it higher priority than transport spending, tax cuts on fuel, law and order and reduced income tax.

But 84 per cent still believe the Government should reduce duty on petrol and diesel.

Eight out of ten said they wanted to see duty slashed enough to bring UK prices in line with the average European price.

When given a choice of three possible reductions, however, 70 per cent wanted to see the 21.5p per litre cut which would be needed to match the European average, while 11 per cent supported the 3p cut advocated by the Conservative party. Some 14 per cent favoured a 51p reduction, which would put British fuel tax at the same level as those enjoyed in America.

The survey shows widespread concern about the cost of fuel, in particular among women, young drivers and those living in rural areas and Scotland.

RAC Foundation chairman Sir Christopher Foster said: "These results pose a dilemma for the Government. Motorists do care about health and education, but they also care more about their own mobility than environmental concerns and want to see fuel prices brought down to the European level.

"Motorists are more likely to support expenditure on health and education if the funding is from the Chancellor's 'war chest', his surplus revenue, rather than from increased fuel prices.

"Any Government which tries to put up fuel duty in the current climate would be in real trouble.

"The Government should try to stabilise pump prices by introducing a variable duty system dependent on the world oil price.

"Motorists are not a minority group as 86 per cent of passenger travel is by car and taxi. The Chancellor needs to address the concerns of all road users in his pre-budget statement."