UK is more dependent on cars than ever before, research shows

Three-quarters of drivers say they would find it "very difficult" to adjust their lifestyle to being without a car

UK is more dependent on cars than ever before, research shows
Data from the comprehensive study of motoring trends now in its 30th year shows car dependency had been dropping steadily since 2012 when 31 per cent of motorists said they were more reliant on a car than the year before. Image: Bigstock.

UK drivers are more dependent on cars than ever before,  research for the RAC’s annual Report on Motoring has revealed.

Dependency on cars has jumped in the last year with a third (33 per cent) of motorists – the equivalent to 13.2m – saying they are more reliant on their cars now than 12 months earlier, compared to just 27 per cent in 2017, research for the RAC’s annual Report on Motoring has revealed.

Three-quarters of the motorists surveyed said they would find it very difficult to adjust their lifestyle to being without a car.

When asked why, almost two-thirds (61 per cent) said the car was essential for transporting people and going shopping, while 49 per cent need one for seeing family and friends who live further away and for 23 per cent there is simply no other way for them to get around due to where they live.

Car use on the rise

The report, which is based on a representative survey of 1,808 motorists, also found that the percentage of drivers whose car use has increased in the last year rose for the first time in four years.

In 2018, 27 per cent of motorists say they are using their cars more than the year before, while only 18 per cent say their use has reduced – this is in stark contrast to 2017 when the percentages were 20 per cent for increased car use and 24 per cent less car use.

This means there has been a 12 per cent shift from less to more car use, which represents 4.8m drivers.

RAC chief engineer David Bizley said: “At a time when there is so much effort being put into tackling air quality issues and congestion, it is alarming to see that dependency on the car is actually the highest we have ever seen.

“While there is much talk about improving public transport, the reality is very different as buses and trains are not meeting public expectations, and in fact in some cases have actually gone backwards.

“Our research clearly shows many people don’t think public transport offers a viable alternative to the car for their needs, especially those living in more rural areas, 84 per cent of whom say they would struggle to adjust to a car-free lifestyle in contrast to 70 per cent of urban dwellers.”

Share your comments below.

Have your say!

0 0

Lost Password

Please enter your username or email address. You will receive a link to create a new password via email.