Today (31/07/2019) the Department for Transport released the latest statistics from the annual National Travel Survey (NTS). Carried out by the Office for National Statistics the NTS is a series of household surveys designed to provide regular, up-to-date data on personal travel and monitor changes in travel behaviour over time.

From 2015 to 2018, car and van trips (either as a driver or a passenger) increased by 3%, although average mileage has been broadly steady. Both remain lower than the highest levels which were seen in 2002. In terms of motor ownership there are now 12 cars for every 10 households in England perhaps helped by the cost of a car being 9% less than in 1998 (Consumer Price Index) and households spending on average just £27 a week purchasing cars and vans (ONS Living Costs and Food Survey).

There is also an increasing trend to parking on streets with 35% of people in urban areas doing so which will affect how plan future developments (see upcoming CIHT guidance on Better Planning)

The number of walking trips and miles travelled is at the highest level since 2006, but they remain at only 3% of all journeys. Cycling remains at roughly the same number of trips since 2002 but has seen over a 50% increase in miles travelled, implying the same cyclists are travelling much further. For public transport there are increasing trips via surface and underground rail by continuing declines in bus use in London and elsewhere.

There is little evidence of a broader shift to cycling and walking, with only journeys under a mile being majority taken on foot. For journeys from 1 to 5 miles approximately 80% of journeys were undertaken by motor vehicle.

See the full details and access the raw data at this link