Over a third of people questioned are planning to stop car sharing permanently in the wake of COVID-19 according to Motorpoint.

Mark Carpenter, CEO, Motorpoint

Findings from a survey conducted by Motorpoint indicate that giving a lift to friends, colleagues and even a family member may be a thing of the past in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The survey – which 750 people responded to on the company’s website – found that 41.3% of people thought giving a lift to people was now a thing of the past due to the pandemic.

The poll results come as traffic volumes in the UK continue to steadily increase to almost pre-lockdown levels. According to the RAC, there has been a 19% increase in the number of vehicles on the road between late March and early June – driven in part by calls by the Government for people not to use public transport except where they have no alternative.

Mark Carpenter, chief executive officer of Motorpoint, said: “The results of our poll are clearly understandable given COVID-19 and definitely reflect the desire by people to maintain social distancing at all times when outside of their home, whether it’s travelling to work, visiting friends or simply popping to the shops for a loaf of bread and some milk.”

Motorpoint is a UK independent car retailer, with a network of branches across England, Scotland and Wales. The company has over 5,000 low mileage, nearly new cars and light commercial vehicles in stock from over 30 different manufacturers, and re-opened all of its branches in England on Monday, 1 June. It’s branches in Scotland and Wales are currently closed.