Throughout the fuel protest, we’ve been arguing that high fuel prices may be the push that people need to use their cars less – and there are signs that this is already starting to happen.

According to the International Energy Association, fuel sales in the UK have fallen 20% in the last 12 months, which claims that drivers have begun using public transport or cycling more instead of driving. The Petrol Retailers’ Association is a bit sceptical, but does report a big drop in sales over the last week.

It seems clear that despite a small minority of drivers who won't ever leave their cars behind, most of us only drive because it’s cheaper or easier than going by bus or train. As the cost of driving rises it often becomes easier to make the switch to public transport. Of course, this all depends on there being a bus or train which can take you where you want to go – and for many people outside cities, that’s still a long way off.

So what can tbe done to help people leave their cars at home? Well, there are easier ways than just pricing motorists off the road. We could start by making public transport cheaper – and pouring money into new services to help rural communities break their car dependency. Most people are prepared to change, but need a little help to do so. It's time for some leadership from the Government.