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Drivers more inclined to change travel behaviour

Willingness amongst drivers to consider alternative forms of transport is on the rise, new DfT research indicates.

London bus

The latest DfT research found opposition to using a bus for short journeys – rather than go by car – has reduced.

The newly published results of the British Social Attitudes Survey 2016: Public attitudes towards transport show the proportion of drivers saying they have a strong willingness to walk short journeys rather than go by car has increased, from 6% in 2006 to 14% in 2016, whilst the proportion disagreeing has fallen from 23% to 13% in the same period.

Opposition to using a bus for short journeys – rather than go by car – has reduced, from 45% in 2006 to 34% in 2016.

And there are now fewer people who never travel by train (46% in 2002, 33% in 2016), and more who travel less than once per week (44% in 2002, 56% in 2016). However, there has been little change in percentage travelling more frequently.

Opposition to unlimited car use, even if this harms the environment, has fallen to a low of 31%. But although 61% think everyone should reduce car use, 47% are unwilling to reduce their own use until others do so.

The survey also looked at mobile phone usage and found that whilst 50% agree that all use of mobile phones while driving, including hands-free phones, is dangerous, only 40% agree that all such use of mobile phones should be banned.

And the research also indicated more support for speed cameras. Agreement that “speed cameras save lives” rose from a low of 42% in 2005 to 56% in 2016, whilst disagreement fell from 31% to a low of 19% over the same time. And while 48% still think that “speed cameras are mostly there to make money”, this has fallen from 58% in 2004.

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Natalie Middleton

Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for over 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day.