Female drivers are less likely to be swayed by recent Budget plans to increase tax on gas-guzzling vehicles.

This is according to research conducted by Direct Line, which found that many drivers are less likely to purchase a polluting vehicle following the news that they will be charged increased tax.

While 68 per cent of men said that the chancellor's announcement would affect their car-buying habits, only 60 per cent of women agreed.

Meanwhile, the Welsh were found to be the most likely to have their decisions swayed by the plans, while Londoners were the least likely.

Overall, 50 per cent of respondents said that their plans would be affected by the announcement.

Commenting on the findings, spokeswoman Jennifer Culley said: "We expected the new tax to have an impact and this swing in opinion demonstrates that by hitting people's wallets, Darling has succeeded in making people think twice before they head for the forecourt."

Earlier findings by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders have shown a reduction of 13 per cent in CO2 emissions generated by cars in the last ten years.

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