Levels of active travel in the Capital could be set to rise once the ‘lockdown’ period has been lifted, with two surveys suggesting some will turn their backs on driving and public transport.
A poll, carried out for transport consultants SYSTRA, suggests in London, the number of commuters using buses and tubes could fall by as much as 40% from pre-lockdown levels.
Meanwhile, an AA-Populus poll of nearly 20,000 drivers reveals that once the lockdown is over, 22% plan to drive less – a figure which increases to 24% among those over 65 years.
The AA says reductions in car journeys could be significant in terms of cutting congestion and reducing environmental impacts.
On the other hand, levels of active travel look set to rise – with 36% of respondents saying they will either walk, cycle or run more often.
Edmund King OBE, AA president, said: “Potentially there could be major changes to the way we travel post-lockdown.
“Outside of London which has parking and congestion charging restrictions, we could see an increase in car use in other cities where people shun public transport for fear of the virus.
“However, this trend may be countered with a change in driving patterns by those who normally drive but have got used to leaving the car at home during lockdown.
“More than one in five say they will drive less after restrictions are lifted. It is also likely that at least one in ten will work from home more often.”
01 May 2020