Britons are wedded to their cars

People in the North East spend the most time driving

People in the UK spend an average of 30 months behind the wheel of a car in their lifetimes, a new study reveals.

Those in the north-east of England do the most driving - being stuck behind the wheel for the equivalent of 33 months during their lives.

The Prudential Car Insurance survey found the Welsh spent 25.9 months driving, and Londoners did the least lifetime driving at 25.8 months.

The study of 1,000 drivers also found 10% made trips of five minutes or less.

Philip Southgate, of Prudential, said: "Britons are unsurprisingly wedded to their cars.

Short journeys

"Driving is enjoyable, makes us feel in control and sometimes it seems the only practical way to travel.

"Today's lifestyles are fast-paced and we always seem to be searching for the quickest way to get from A to B.

"However, a simple change in the way we use our cars could make a significant difference to everyone.

"Cutting out those super short car journeys whenever possible would cut down traffic and help the environment."