Large majority in favour of reducing the use of motor vehicles according to DfT survey

Peoples' attitudes to different aspects of transport, from the second wave of the National Travel Attitudes Study (NTAS) was published today (16/01/2020). The NTAS is a companion product of the National Travel Survey (NTS). Whilst the NTS provides a wealth of information on the travel patterns and behaviour of individuals, the National Travel Attitudes Study (NTAS) provides information on public attitudes to travel and transport.

Questions in the survey were put to 2,654 individuals and includes responses on a wide array of topics, including

  • Active transport (walking and cycling)
  • Road journeys and the environment
  • Road congestion
  • Road safety
  • Public transport
  • Transport and disability


Some of the findings from the National Travel Attitudes Study:

  • 74% agreed that "everyone should reduce how much they use their motor vehicles in urban areas like cities or towns, for the sake of public health".
  • 76% agreed that "for the sake of the environment, everyone should reduce how much they use their cars". In 2017 63% agreed with the statement.
  • In 2017 39% disagreed that "people should be allowed to use their car as much as they want, even if it causes damages to the environment". In 2019 55% disagreed with that statement.
  • In 2017 46% agreed that "there is no point in reducing my car use to help the environment unless others do so", and 29% disagreed. In 2019 45% now disagreed with the statement and 35% agreed.
  • 72% are concerned about damages to the countryside from building roads
  • Personal motor vehicles are seen as the second most affordable mode of transport with 72% finding it affordable. The most affordable was seen as bus, minibus or coach with 73% finding it affordable. The least affordable mode of transport was trains with 59% finding it unaffordable.
  • 70% support raising fares for public transport to improve accessibility for those with illnesses or conditions that find public transport more difficult.

Source: www.gov.uk