Over one in five (21 per cent) drivers are more likely to share their journey as a result of the government's car share plans for the country's motorways, according to research from safe driver champion, Privilege Insurance.

Almost half (48 per cent) of motorists actively support the introduction of car pool lanes on key commuter routes, with almost a quarter (24 per cent) opposed to the plans.

Nearly one in ten motorists (eight per cent) currently have a car pool arrangement in place for their drive to work, according to Privilege's findings. By the end of the 2006, over four million UK drivers expect to be sharing car journeys on a regular basis (12 per cent), and by 2010 this will increase to nearer six million (17 per cent).

Drivers in the Midlands are currently most likely to car share, with those in London least likely, the research shows. Those in the South West are most supportive of car pool lanes with those in the North West most opposed (see below league table).

And the car share plans could lead to increased road safety, according to the research. One in ten drivers say they have been involved in an accident when driving alone, compared to just one in twenty who were driving with a passenger.

And it is not just accidents that are reduced by driving with a passenger, it seems. Four in ten motorists (39 per cent) have lost concentration while driving, but only two in ten (22 per cent) have done so when driving with a passenger. One in five drivers have been pulled over by the police when driving alone due to the poor quality of their driving, compared to just nine per cent who have been pulled over when driving with someone else in the car.

Ian Parker, Managing Director of Privilege Insurance, welcomed the government's plans and said:

"Privilege's research demonstrates the potential road safety benefits of car sharing and highlights the support car sharing enjoys among many drivers.

Each year thousands of people are killed on our roads and tens of thousands more are seriously injured. If car pooling or sharing journeys encourages safer driving, then that should be sufficient justification to prompt drivers and the government into rethinking their car use habits and promoting the use of car pool lanes more vociferously."

"Privilege would urge all drivers to consider the practicalities of car sharing and log onto our website at www.privilege.com for links to information about car pool schemes across the country."