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1st July 2020

How will lockdown change the way we drive?

The driving habits of the UK public changed dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout lockdown, many of us rarely got in our cars at all and when we did it was for very short distances due to restrictions.

With the country slowly easing out of lockdown, you may think that the roads will slowly begin to get busier and busier until they reach their pre-lockdown levels, however, recent research carried out by the AA has found that this may not be the case.

impact of lockdown driving

According to a survey of AA customers (approx. 20,000 people), one fifth of drivers have stated that once lockdown is over, they will use their cars less than normal, with 36% stating that they plan to walk, cycle or run more. Whilst 51% of respondents said that they would drive the same amount once lockdown is lifted, this vast proportion of drivers that plan to change their habits could mean some huge changes on the roads.

You may ask how this could be possible once we begin to return to normality that roads will inevitably get busier as people return to work, but 11% of respondents stated that they would work from home in the future, reducing the number of commuting cars. Not only will this help to ease congestion, but it could also mean a drastic reduction in the environmental impact that these cars would otherwise produce.

Speaking on the results of the survey, AA President, Edmund King OBE, has said:

“Life after lockdown will be different. Some will shun public transport, others will drive less, more will cycle and walk, working from home will continue for many. Some drivers who have appreciated lower traffic noise, fewer and shorter journeys, may be prompted finally to buy an electric vehicle. All in all, life will return and the increase in car use in some areas instead of public transport will be countered by others realising that they can use their cars less by working from home or even walking and cycling more”.

No matter what post-lockdown driving will look like and how much you are planning to drive once normality returns, the team at SMF are here to help you finance your ideal car, get in touch with us today for more information.