Motorists cut back on car journeys

Three quarters of drivers (29 million) admit they are now using their cars less, with roughly two thirds (62 per cent) saying that the cost of motoring is to blame, according to new research from Santander Credit Cards. The soaring cost of motoring is forcing drivers off the road with nearly half (46 per cent) using their vehicles for essential journeys only. More than a fifth (22 per cent) are ditching their cars for environmental reasons, while 16 per cent are simply avoiding heavy traffic.

Public transport gets the cold shoulder

The research shows that motorists are reluctant to switch to public transport, with only 10 per cent choosing to ditch their car in favour of public transport. However, one in four (25 per cent) drivers say they would use public transport more frequently if it was less expensive and a third (32 per cent) could be tempted if it was more reliable.

Motoring austerity boosts local communities

Santander's research shows that reduced car usage is prompting many drivers to make better use of their local communities. Nearly a third (29 per cent) of motorists are buying more from local shops and 12 per cent are going out for dinner and drinks nearer to where they live. Around 2.7 million (7 per cent) British drivers also say they are making more use of local amenities such as leisure facilities, and a sociable 1.9 million people are making an effort to see more of their neighbours and friends living near-by.

In a bid to cut travel costs, 3.1 million motorists also admitted to looking for jobs that are located closer to home.

As well as benefitting local communities, it appears that online businesses may also stand to gain, as a quarter (24 per cent) of motorists turn to online shopping to avoid using their car.

Guilt trippers

While Santander's research highlights that UK motorists are making a concerted effort to reduce the amount they drive, it appears that there is still a long way to go as 38 per cent of drivers still admit to making up to five trips of less than a mile by car every week. Although around a third of drivers making short journeys (35 per cent) say that they feel guilty as a result.

Rob Holt, Director at Santander Cards, commented: "Our research clearly shows that motorists have reached their tipping point, and after years of fuel price hikes are using their cars less and less. As public transport doesn't currently appear to be an attractive alternative, many drivers are turning to their local communities and the internet instead.

"Many journeys, however, simply cannot be avoided, particularly for motorists living in rural or remote areas. For drivers who are struggling with the cost of motoring, or have no alternative but to use their car, one option is to spread the cost by using a competitive credit card, such as the Santander Credit Card, which offers 16 months of 0 per cent interest on all purchases."

For more information, visit santander.co.uk.