Traffic volumes appear to still be below pre-pandemic levels with flexible working patterns that have become commonplace across the UK likely to be a major factor, said RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes. "Nonetheless, the trend is upwards, especially so for vans and HGVs – both of which show higher traffic volumes than prior to the pandemic. Therefore it remains vitally important that the … [Read more...]
Newslines 25 October
The latest RAC Report on Motoring shows that 49% of drivers commuted five days a week before the pandemic but just 32% expect to in the future. In addition, three-in-10 drivers (30%) now expect to commute between one and four days a week with the average number of commuting days in future standing at three per week, down from four before Covid-19 hit. Petrol prices have hit 142.94p a … [Read more...]
Claims collapse but will savings be passed on?
As expected, the number of motor insurance claims notified to insurers in the second quarter of the year significantly fell according to figures from the Association of British Insurers. The fall largely reflected the lockdown period, when far fewer vehicle journeys were made. Claim payouts during the period while also down, fell at a lower rate. The figures come as the average price … [Read more...]
Speeders monitored by trackers
While there has been a considerable drop in the number of drivers on UK roads, insurethebox, the UK’s telematics insurance pioneer, recorded a 24% increase in speeding propensity between February and March. As a result, the firm has sustained its award-winning pro-active communication strategy with persistent speeders, with a very clear message that speeding increases the risk of emergency … [Read more...]
Opinion: Size matters in congestion & emissions battle
The motor industry is facing doom and gloom or opportunity and expansion, depending on your viewpoint, writes Robin Roberts. Whatever happens with Brexit at the end of this month and its implications for Britain, a bigger sea change for the industry has been underway for some time. Environmental issues have driven the move towards electrification of vehicles and for the bigger stuff it’s … [Read more...]
How we use our roads is changing
While the number of miles travelled on our roads hardly changed in 2018 compared to the previous year, the forms of transport used has changed. Van traffic, despite experiencing slower growth in 2018, still saw a slight increase which sets a new record high. Cycling miles also rose and is now 34% above what it was 25 years ago. RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes, responding to the latest … [Read more...]
Commuting is killing couples’ relationships
Commuting pressures are leading to separations and divorces. About 2.5M have daily commutes over two hours and it's getting worse. New research by Revolution.Aero discussion group reveals that 2.5 million Britons claim that their commute to work takes over two hours every day, and over 640,000 say it takes longer than three hours. Its findings reveal that 12% of people claim their … [Read more...]
Expect a lesson in easy driving next week
School’s out for summer, and no doubt commuters are enjoying a break from the usual rush-hour traffic – as parents, teachers and other workers have ditched their morning drive to work. Recent research by Confused.com reveals more than two in five (42%) motorists who use their car to get to work are staying home at some point during the school summer holidays. This will relieve the … [Read more...]