The most common New Year’s resolution made by drivers was to ‘walk more’, according to an AA Populus poll of 17,979 drivers.

Of the 48% of drivers who said they would make a resolution just over a quarter (26%) said they would try to walk more.

Female respondents were more likely than male respondents to choose this option (34% vesus 22%).

Respondents from Scotland were also more likely to choose this option (16%) compared to respondents from the West Midlands (9%)

Trying to drive more economically was the second most popular resolution (16%), followed by trying to drive more safely (12%).

The survey also found that 10% will ‘try to drive less’ and 10% will ‘try to cycle more’.

The least popular resolutions - with less than 2% of all respondents selecting them - were ‘I will try to be more courteous to cyclists’ and ‘I will try to park legally more often’.

More than half (52%) of all respondents said that they would not make a New Year’s resolution about driving. This option was least common among young people, with only 35% of respondents aged 18-24 choosing this option, compared to 53% of those aged 45 and over.

Edmund King OBE, AA president, said: “The fact that over 50% of drivers have opted to drive less or more economically or walk more, is perhaps a reflection of the fact that UK drivers started the new year paying 15p a litre or £8.25 a tank more for their fuel than at the start of last year.

 "Whatever the reason, it is encouraging that a significant proportion of drivers are looking to be more economical and safer behind the wheel.

 “The fifth of drivers opting to walk or cycle more are perhaps thinking about their waistbands as well as their wallets and purses. Whatever the reasons, if these drivers stick to their resolutions we should have safer and less congested roads which would be a bonus for all.”

 

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