June 7th, 2021
By Gareth More
Going green
Reducing carbon emissions is another understandably important reason why certain drivers plan to make fewer car journeys. Of those motorists planning to drive less, our survey shows around one in three (34%) are doing so to lower their carbon footprint. In the UK, recent research found the transport sector is now responsible for emitting more greenhouse gases than any other, including energy and farming. As around 60% of 1-2 mile trips are made by car in England, walking or using public transport for these journeys could make a substantial difference in decreasing each driver’s carbon emissions.
Getting in shape
The pandemic put staying healthy front of mind for lots of people, and after a year of closed gyms and sports clubs, many may have noticed they’ve put on a few pounds. One survey from King’s College London found 48% of respondents said they put on weight during the lockdown. To help burn some calories and get back in shape, some car owners are planning to swap short drives for exercise instead. Our research shows nearly one in four motorists (37%) planning to cut down on car journeys in the coming months are doing so to improve their fitness by walking, running, or cycling rather than driving. With the warmer summer weather, motorists could be tempted to sometimes leave the car at home and head out on foot.
Working from home
While most travel curbs may now be lifted, many people are still working from home. Plenty will be keen to return to the office soon, but lots will also want to continue working from home for at least a few days each week. Recently, we’ve seen several big employers such as Nationwide Building Society, EY and AXA commit to long-term hybrid working policies that allow staff to stay home for at least part of the week. Separate research from the BBC also found almost all of the UK’s 50 biggest employers do not plan to bring staff back to the office full-time. As more businesses transition to some form of hybrid working, our survey shows 29% of those planning to drive less are doing so because they are now allowed to work from home more often.
Saving money
As pubs, restaurants and shops reopened, UK spending surged to above pre-pandemic levels in April for the first time this year, according to Barclaycard, as many decided to treat themselves after a tough year. To offset this shopping splurge, some drivers have chosen to cut down on car journeys to save money. Our research found 42% of motorists who plan to make fewer trips are doing so to save money. This makes it the most popular reason to drive less often. By taking fewer trips, drivers can save on both petrol and parking costs. But they could make even greater savings if they also switch to our pay as you go car insurance.
Unlike traditional insurance, using JURNY you only pay for coverage on the miles you drive (bar a small monthly fee to cover your vehicle while parked). This means you could substantially reduce the cost of your insurance premium if you drive less often in future. It is also a great option if you’re just not sure how much you’ll end up using your car in future. If you are looking to save money on your car insurance, why not see if you could save with our quick estimate tool?