Brits rely on cars too much, survey reveals
Almost eight in ten UK motorists (79%) admit they use their car for journeys that could be made on foot, bicycle or public transport, in a survey of 1,000 drivers published by Brake.
The majority of those surveyed (85%) believe people should cut down how much they use their car to reduce air pollution and noise, and also to protect the environment and prevent climate change.
Many feared that driving was detrimental to their own/family’s health (31%) and their family’s finances (28%) while 37% said they would be persuaded to drive less if public transport became more frequent, accessible and convenient.
‘Drive less, live more’
The research has been published to highlight Road Safety Week (Nov 23-29), which this year is urging motorists to ‘drive less and live more’.
Gary Rae, Brake’s Communications and Campaigns Director, believes the theme draws a clear line between improving road safety, preventing casualties, protecting people and the planet, and our choice of transport.
He said: “We understand that not everyone has freedom of choice in the way they travel, hence we continue to have a strong year-round focus campaigning for a safer environment for walking and cycling through our GO 20 campaign. We also support the efforts of partner organisations that are campaigning for better public transport.
“But our main aim through this November’s Road Safety Week is to help people consider the options open to them, and better understand the benefits of driving less, to road safety, health, personal finances, communities and the planet.”