What would it take for you to abandon your car altogether and head for public transport? According to a new survey, petrol prices have a long way to go before we turn our backs on our favourite mode of transport.

Research by esure car insurance reveals that the average petrol price in the UK is now £1.15 a litre, but despite this the average British motorist would wait for prices to hit £1.75 a litre before turning to public transport. Instead, more than a fifth of the drivers surveyed said they would be willing to pay more than £2 a litre to stay on the road.

Despite these statistics, fuel prices are an increasing cause for concern. According to esure, 76 per cent of those surveyed stated they worry about rising fuel prices now more than ever. Yet nearly half of the motorists quizzed (47 per cent) said they would never consider substituting their car for public transport no matter how expensive fuel prices become.

Young people are the most frugal with their finances when it comes to paying at the pump - petrol prices would have to rise to £1.65 per litre for them to consider substituting their car for public transport - 10p per litre below the national average.

Green cars could provide the long-term solution - allowing people to use less fuel and in the case of electric and hydrogen cars, even no petroleum at all. If you want tips on how to keep your fuel consumption down in the meantime, check out our guide.