Brits too attached to part with their cars as only 1 in 10 families gave up second car in lockdown

In fact, according to the Department for Transport, 280.5 billion vehicle miles were driven on Britain’s roads in 2020 – which, despite the large number, is a decrease of 21.3 per cent compared to the previous year.  With cars in particular, this number was greater, with a drop of nearly 25 per cent.

However, the research shows that while people aren’t driving as much, more than eight in 10 motorists (83 per cent) admitted they have always had a love for driving and more than half of respondents said they use time in their car as an opportunity to escape from everyday life, while a quarter enjoy the quiet time it gives them.

Mike Todd, CEO at Volkswagen Financial Services UK, said: “The UK loves driving, and this study shows that even when we don’t use them or rely on them as much as we have in the past, we just can’t bear to part with our beloved cars. However, as the UK continues to transition to greener travel, I think we’re likely to see consumer habits develop and younger generations accessing cars via a subscription rather than owning one outright. As we all become more environmentally conscious, people will start thinking more broadly about how they travel and should ask themselves: do I need to own a car or simply have use of one?”