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RAC figures reveal use of the car hasn’t dropped to the
same extent as last March
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The RAC has had its busiest start to a new year on
record
An analysis of RAC data confirms suspicions that car use by
drivers in the UK has not fallen to the same extent as it did
during the first coronavirus lockdown in March 2020.*
During the first week of the latest lockdown, data from RAC Black Box
Insurance customers shows there were on average 10% more cars
in daily use than during the first week of March’s lockdown,
leading to 31% more daily miles driven. This represents a 22%
reduction in car use compared to normal (first week of February
2020).* The RAC believes traffic volumes are now at a similar
level to the middle of last May, which interestingly was the
point restrictions first started to be eased, with people
encouraged to return to workplaces if they were unable to work
from home.
According to RAC data, the quietest week for traffic since the
start of the pandemic was the second week of the first
coronavirus lockdown (w/c 30 March), with a 41% reduction in car
usage compared to normal. This contrasts with the first full week
of September (w/c 7 September) when the RAC recorded its highest
levels of car use of the year as schools in England returned
after the summer holidays, with traffic back to normal levels.
A further sign that vehicles are being used more during this
latest lockdown is the extremely high number of breakdowns
attended by RAC patrols so far this year. Incredibly, the RAC had
its busiest start to a New Year on record with 8% more breakdowns
handled over the first four days of January compared to the same
period in previous years. While the cold weather and the fact
cars were used even less than normal over Christmas as a result
of the coronavirus will both have been major factors, the data
confirms that drivers are still deeming it necessary to use their
vehicles for essential trips in 2021.
RAC data insight spokesman Rod Dennis said: “Despite the whole of
the UK now under a further coronavirus lockdown, our data shows
the number of cars in use has not dropped to the same extent it
did the first time restrictions were brought in last March.
“The feel of this latest nationwide lockdown is very different to
that which was first imposed in 2020 with greater numbers of
people working in ‘Covid-secure’ workplaces, more shops offering
click-and-collect services, and more children of keyworkers
attending schools. In addition, with so many avoiding public
transport, there will inevitably be far more people opting for
the safer environment of the car. Together, these differences
help account for the busier roads.
“Nonetheless, it’s vital drivers think carefully before using
their vehicles and ensure they’re only venturing out for
essential trips as specified by government guidelines. Every
unnecessary journey increases the chances of a breakdown, or
worse a road traffic collision, and risks adding to the pressures
being experienced by our emergency and healthcare workers.
“Unfortunately, the return of colder weather from next week risks
increasing the chances of drivers encountering breakdowns with
flat batteries which we expect to cause people problems,
especially if they’re hardly using their vehicles at the moment.
Drivers can protect themselves by buying a trickle charger,
although these are only really practical for people with
driveways or garages and it’s always best to check compatibility
between charger and car first. Those with two cars should make
sure they alternate between them for their essential journeys.”
Ends
Notes to Editors
* Periods compared are first weeks of lockdowns that began in
March 2020 and January 2021. Dates analysed are 23 to 29 March
2020 and 5 to 11 January 2021. ‘Normal times’ baseline is first
week of February 2020
