London, Apr.7 : Britons' love affair with cars is alive and kicking despite rising petrol prices and increased congestion, according to a research.

According to the latest study, over a fifth of drivers in Britain don't hesitate to use their vehicles for trips of 500 metres and less.

The survey released on Monday reveals that the average Briton walks for just one hour a week, or 208 miles annually.

Twenty one percent said they would take the car for very short trips. Fear of dog excrement was cited by 36 percent of city dwellers for a reason not to walk in their locality.

The poll of 2,500 adults commissioned to mark the return of "River Walks with Charlie Dimmock", found some people were prepared to expend some energy in getting from A to B, The Mirror reported.

About 22 percent of respondents said they walked an average of 500 miles a year.

The online poll was carried out between March 1 and March 21.

ANI