Millions of motorists preparing to leave their cars at home

7 million drivers want to switch to other travel methods

Millions of motorists preparing to leave their cars at home
Photo: Bigstock

Almost seven million UK motorists plan to reduce car use for short journeys, according to a survey carried by Kwik Fit.

Of the 20 million UK drivers who regularly use their cars for journeys of one to two miles, some 6.9 million want to switch to other travel methods.

In 2019, 7 percent of all UK car journeys were less than a mile, while 17 percent were between one and two miles. In most cases, these journeys could be completed without a car.

Predictably, the rising cost of motoring is a major factor behind the shift. The following table shows the reasons mentioned in the survey:

  • Cost of fuel: 39 percent of respondents
  • To improve fitness: 30 percent
  • Reduce the environmental impact: 26 percent
  • Other travel modes are quicker: 17 percent

Nearly half (44 percent) of car owners also a bicycle, which means they have easy access to an alternative, not to mention cheaper, form of transport.

Kwik Fit MD Mark Slade said: “This research shows that there are many reasons why drivers are looking for different modes of travel for short journeys, and we can support them through removing some of the barriers when it comes to increased cycle use.”

He added: “A growing number of our customers who operate vehicle fleets have been asking if we can support their expanding cargo bike operations, which are increasingly being used for short urban journeys.”

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