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The pandemic has put off attitudes to driving over public transport by two decades, with nearly two-thirds of car owners in the UK now considering their vehicle essential, according to research.
A clear majority would now refuse to switch to a greener alternative even if better trains or buses were available, according to RAC. Research for its Annual Motoring Report found that reluctance to use public transport was now at its 18-year high.
Compared to 2019, significantly more young drivers and those living in the capital – around 65% of each – consider their vehicle to be essential.
While 50% reported that they actually used their car less overall this year, with 33% of the 3,000 respondents currently working from home, more than half, around 57%, received access to a cars as more important now than before the coronavirus pandemic.
While 54% said safety was a consideration, a growing number now felt a car was needed to shop or visit friends. Meanwhile, only 43% agreed they would use their car less if there was better public transport, a steep drop from 57% in 2019 and the lowest since 2002.
The findings will further concern transport activists, with lessening optimism that lower traffic volumes and the increase in pedestrians and bicycles could be maintained as a positive side effect after the pandemic.
Bicycle travel dropped significantly below pre-pandemic levels in October, and people largely continued to avoid public transport. Passenger numbers accounted for around 30% of normal rail demand and 60% on buses, while car use had risen to around 90% of pre-pandemic levels, according to the latest government data as of Monday. last. Other sources showed road traffic increased in the following days before new blocking restrictions, with data from satellite navigation providers showing some of the worst congestion in the past two years on Wednesday.
RAC data insight spokesman Rod Dennis said the pandemic has strengthened the bond between drivers and their cars. “Without a concerted effort by the government and local councils, the pandemic is likely to take action to encourage drivers to get out of their cars for a few years back trips,” he said.
“As cities seek to improve air quality and make city centers cleaner places, it is clear that efficient, low-cost alternatives to cars require much more thought and financial investment.”
The results will increase the urgency of demands on the government to accelerate the transition to cleaner cars. A decision is expected this week on whether to bring forward the ban on new sales of petrol and diesel cars in the UK, from 2035 to 2030.
Research published by Greenpeace claims that accelerating the transition to electric cars with a 2030 deadline could create 32,000 jobs in the energy, manufacturing and retail sectors and provide a £ 4.2 billion boost to the UK economy. in addition to reducing emissions.
Greenpeace UK policy director Doug Parr said: “We need a firm commitment to ban new polluting cars and vans by 2030, together with an active industrial strategy to increase production and support retraining, so that workers can benefit from new jobs that will cause it to be created throughout the economy. The rewards are there to be taken. “
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