A CAR is fast becoming the last thing motorists keep in their garage, a survey revealed.

While more than seven out of 10 drivers have garages, only four out of 10 use them to park the car.

More are likely to use the garage as a utility or storage room, an NOP Automotive survey for the RAC Foundation found.

A number of people use garages as a workshop or shed and some have even converted their garage into a playroom.

Some of the reasons for the aversion to parking in a garage are thought to include:

* People carriers or 4x4s that do not fit.

* Drivers too lazy to open the garage door.

* Too much junk in the garage.

* Modern cars starting more easily on cold days and less likely to rust than they used to.

Older drivers are much more likely to park in the garage.

Younger families are also more likely to have bikes and toys to store.

Rover and Volkswagen owners are most likely to use the garage, with Fiat and Honda owners least likely.

Those on lower incomes with garages are more likely to use them than their richer neighbours.

The survey also showed that around one in six people in England found it difficult, but not necessarily impossible, to park outside their home.