This year we’ve all likely had lots of unexpected car free days due to travel restrictions and lockdown measures. Perhaps you’ve enjoyed the quieter roads, walked or cycled to work, or even worked from home. Either way you’re probably well prepared for World Car Free Day on the 22nd September!
2020 certainly isn’t turning out to be the year any of us had planned. The Coronavirus Pandemic has impacted all of our lives in various ways, particularly our driving and travel habits. It’s made many of us rethink things like our daily commutes, our journey to the supermarket, as well as our impact on the planet. Whether being behind the wheel less has made us calmer because of the reduction in traffic, save money on fuel and parking, walk, run or cycle more, or maybe we just enjoyed hearing the birds a bit more rather than traffic noises. Will we still use the roads and our cars in the same way as we did earlier this year?
An AA survey of almost 20,000 people in April – during the UK lockdown – revealed that, 22% will drive less (increasing to 24% of those over 65).
Many of us claimed we’d use our cars less, as seen in the AA survey results, but have we actually used them less as lockdown measures have eased around the UK? Government data shows that during lockdown, the use of cars and public transport dropped, and cycling increased. However in recent weeks it seems that we’ve been returning to the road in our cars more. Whilst levels of car and public transport use isn’t at the levels of early March, it seems to be gradually increasing week on week.
If you choose to cycle, walk, run, skateboard, rollerblade, unicycle, pogo stick – ok maybe a bit too far! – rather than drive the car, there’s many benefits, to you and the planet. The main benefits are that it can improve your health and reduce emissions. It can also save you money, with the cost savings on parking and fuel. With many of our cities geared up with pedestrians only zones and cycling lanes, your journeys can even be quicker and less hassle!
We couldn’t talk about World Car Free Day without mentioning donating your car! Whether you’re conscious of the impact driving is having on the world, and your wallet, and are giving up your car for good, or if yours is reaching the end of the road and you’re upgrading to something more environmentally friendly, Charity Car can help you responsibly donate your old car to charity. Charities are in need of our support during this difficult time. Your car donation will raise valuable funds for your chosen cause, whether your car raises, £30, £300 or £3,000 it’s all greatly appreciated by the charities.
