Air, water, clothing, food and shelter are clearly essential items but a recent survey conducted by one of the United Kingdoms leading motor trade insurance brokers has discovered that many people in the UK simply cannot live without something far less essential and that is their cars.

The survey carried by NCi Motor Trade was as a result of the news that drivers may soon be charged on a journey by journey basis. Certain insurance companies have already (so far without success) looked into calculating insurance premiums on a pay as you go basis but with toll roads and congestion charges becoming more common place, what impact would having to pay per journey have on drivers?

The results of the survey make interesting reading with 40 percent of people surveyed saying that even if they were charged per journey it would not have any impact on their driving activity as they simply could not live without their vehicle.

What also came out of the NCi Motor Trade Insurance survey was that the credit crunch and a reduced disposal income was having an impact on people as 13 percent of people said that if they had to pay per journey they would have to stop driving. Of the others questioned 6 percent said they would look to drive less, 21 percent would look to use public transport, 11 percent would car share and 3 percent would change when they drove rather then the frequency if this was a factor in how much they would be charged.

And with the nations health and general well being never too far away from the news, perhaps it is encouraging that 1 in 20 people questioned said they would look to walk more in the event of being charged per journey. Whilst this perhaps is not the best way to deal with the growing debate on exercise and obesity, anything that encourages healthier activities cannot be all bad.

The facts from the NCi Motor Trade conducted survey carried out by the UK motor trade insurance brokers are that many people are now totally reliant on their vehicles and regardless of the costs involved would be extremely reluctant to give them up. It also shows that with more than 1 in 5 people questioned being willing to give up their cars in favour of public transport, the government could perhaps be doing more to encourage this if cutting emissions is really one of their main priorities.

Some people feel the government would be reluctant to encourage people to stop using their cars due to the massive reduction in car tax and other motoring related taxes that could follow.

Whatever your thoughts are on this issue, the truth is many people in the western world cars are the one thing they cannot live without.