The car is the most preferred method of transport for commuters in England and Wales.

According to a report from the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) Foundation, 26.5 million people commute to work on a regular basis. Of these, 15.3 million people drive themselves, while an additional 1.4 million receive a lift.

This figure was at its highest in rural areas, with 73.4 per cent taking a car, compared to 67.1 per cent in urban areas outside London. As for the capital itself, 29.8 per cent rely on this option and, although a much smaller percentage than other areas, this was still the dominant form of transport.

RAC Foundation director Professor Stephen Glaister said: "People are still driving despite a decade in which the cost of running a car has outstripped wage inflation. The reason for this is that most people have no practical choice."

He added London has plenty of alternative options in public transport, but this is often lacking in other parts of the country. This can be seen in the increase of vehicles in the countryside, where there is less in the way of alternative infrastructure.