A reopening of hospitality, including the ability to drink and
eat inside pubs and restaurants, pushed car travel up by only a
few percentage points on its first day (Monday).
Coronavirus travel statistics released today cover May 17*, the
first day the Government allowed indoor hospitality, the opening
of indoor entertainment venues such as cinemas and children’s
play areas; the rest of the accommodation sector, including
hotels, hostels and B&Bs; and indoor adult group sports and
exercise classes.
Despite all this, car travel increased from being just below 90%
to just above 90% of pre-lockdown levels. All motor vehicle
traffic cemented itself to being closer to a full return to
normality, with van traffic showing the strongest rebound on
Monday.
“Bad weather probably dampened enthusiasm for a road exodus to
holiday destinations, although online searches for AA-rated
accommodation in the lead-up to Monday were particularly popular
for trips to Wales and Scotland (80% up in the past fortnight
compared to the fortnight before) but much less so for other
parts of the UK (up 40% at best),” says Jack Cousens, the AA’s
head of roads policy.
“The fact that Monday was a working day will also have been a big
factor. The biggest test of people’s eagerness to celebrate their
new freedoms and travel will come with the bank holiday at the
end of May.
“It is interesting to see van and other light goods vehicle
traffic increase, presumably as they rushed to restock
hospitality venues with food, drink and other fare,”
ends
NOTES TO EDITORS
* https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/transport-use-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic
