Britons 'using their cars less'

Date: 26/5/2011

Getting behind the wheel is something that many Britons are consciously doing less.

According to research by Santander Credit Cards, three-quarters of UK motorists no longer make journeys in their own vehicle as much, while 46 per cent reserve them solely for essential travel.

For 62 per cent of respondents, the cost of taking the car was cited as the motivation for them not relying on it as much.

Meanwhile, 22 per cent claim they prefer not to use a motor for environmental reasons and 16 per cent wish to avoid the heavy traffic associated with driving.

In order to overcome not using their own vehicle, millions of people are found to be increasingly visiting shops, restaurants and leisure facilities within their local community.

And it would appear this thinking will continue over the course of the forthcoming bank holiday weekend, with Confused.com revealing that 52 per cent of Britons plan to stay at home or use alternative transport over the three days, rather than drive.

Posted by Mary Treen