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New research suggests the number of cars in the UK has now reached
30 million. The research by Mintel shows the number has increased by 23%
in ten years. While the number of households with more than one car has
increased from 23% to nearly 30% in just five years.
But why the massive increase at a time when our roads are busier than
ever? Leading car insurer Admiral thinks it knows why. Its own research
suggests that owning a car has become cheaper, easier and more desirable
than ever while the state of public transport has continued to deteriorate.
According to Admiral's research, 66% of motorists have no intention of
giving up their car for public transport, mainly because they consider
it inconvenient, unreliable and slow. Admiral also found that 56% of motorists
have no concerns about the damage to the environment caused by cars.
Admiral managing director, Jane Stone, commented: "I'm sure there
isn't a motorist in this country who hasn't complained at least once about
the amount of traffic on our roads. But the British love affair with the
car continues.
"Our research suggests that motorists have no intention of giving
up their cars and Mintel's research shows just how much car ownership
has increased. The increase in the number of cars has happened for a number
of reasons, mainly because buying a car has never been so cheap, while
the status of owning a nice car has never been so important."
Only ten years ago there were less than 24 million cars in this country,
but in recent years the cost of buying a car has decreased. This combined
with lower interest rates means that more people can afford to own a car.
It also means that more people are buying a second car. Nearly a third
of households now have more than one car.
For most motorists the benefits of driving a car far outweigh taking
a train or a bus. A car is more private and convenient than public transport,
and very often quicker and cheaper too.
Jane Stone continued: "Reaching the 30 million mark for private
cars is a real milestone. If the government is serious about reducing
car use in this country they have to improve public transport. If it was
a clean, cheap and convenient alternative, I'm sure many motorists would
consider leaving their cars at home now and again."
Mintel's research also revealed that the number of people holding licences
has increased by 2 million in the last decade. There are now just under
32 million licensed drivers in the UK. Most of these extra motorists are
young people for whom the status of owning a car has become essential.
For now the British love affair with the car continues unabated and it
can only be matter of time before we reach the next landmark of 35 million
cars in the UK.
Issue date: 08-06-04
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