More than a third of motorists have cut back on journeys because of rising fuel prices, according to research conducted by a motor insurance company.

Those making reductions in the last 12 months have either limited their car use to essential journeys or travelled more on public transport, the poll from More Than found.

A rise to 100p a litre for petrol would persuade 22 per cent of all motorists to think twice about using their car, the survey of 1,526 drivers highlighted.

Commenting on the findings, David Pitt, head of car insurance for More Than, said: Rising fuel prices are having a real impact on motorists' behaviour, to the extent that a significant number have already cut back on the number of journeys they make.

If prices continue to escalate, motorists will tighten their purse strings even further and we will no doubt see more considering different means of transport.