Nearly half (47%) of Londoners aged 18 to 34 have tried car sharing at least once, according to research from Zipcar UK.

As part of its London Carscape Report, the car club found that older people were less likely to try the service, with less than one-quarter (24%) of 45 to 54 year olds saying they had used it.

The research also reports that two-thirds (65%) of respondents admit that it would be hard to give up their car, with the main emotional reasons being the fact their vehicles provide them with a sense of luxury and success (21%), storage (21%) and features like cup holders and leather seats (15%).

However, 84% of respondents said they were concerned about the city’s high levels of air pollution and congestion, and 52% of car owners find driving in London stressful and frustrating due to high congestion levels.

Jonathan Hampson, general manager for Zipcar UK, said: “Despite all the progress in recent years there remains a deep-rooted attachment to the car, which means that change in shifting attitudes is a real challenge.

“That’s why we need strong action by companies like ours, as well as by the GLA and TfL, if we are to make positive, tangible changes to our city and environment.

“The Mayor has set out bold plans in his transport strategy to reduce car reliance and change attitudes; plans which we find encouraging and fully support, but we are also calling for more radical and immediate action.

“We want to work with City Hall, the councils, partners and Londoners to help continue existing momentum and help changes happen now.”

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