Over 50% of motorists would like to reduce their car usage to help the environment, according to new research from Aviva
Some 15% of motorists plan to sell their car/buy a new car due to the hike in value of second-hand cars
Just over half of motorists (51%) would like or plan to reduce their car usage to help protect the environment, although 28% claimed that the transport networks in their location are not adequate for them to do so, according to new research from Aviva Insurance Ireland DAC (Aviva). Of the remainder, 22% of respondents claimed that they have or plan to reduce how much they use their cars, with 1% saying that they have reduced the number of cars in their household. However, 46% of those surveyed can never see themselves without their own transport. These are among the primary findings of a nationwide survey of 1,000 adults by iReach Insights on behalf of Aviva.
The survey also found that overall, 13% of respondents have already decided to ditch their cars to reduce their carbon emissions, with 9% of respondents planning to either use public transport or a bicycle instead of driving, and 1% planning to use an electric bike or e-scooter. Some 3% of those surveyed had already taken action in favour of the environment.
The survey findings further revealed the following:
- More women (38%) than men at 22% would like to reduce car usage but public transport is not adequate where they are living – with most respondents based in either Connacht/Ulster (43%) or Munster (34%).
- Men were more likely to never get rid of their cars at 53% v’s women at 39%.
- Dublin-based motorists (29%) and those aged 55+ are most likely to have or plan to reduce their car usage
Reducing car usage where possible, particularly in urban areas, makes absolute sense and will help the environment by reducing motorists’ carbon footprint. It will also help ease the congestion in our major towns and cities. The expansion of cycle lanes and the reduction in the cost of public transport in major urban areas should help to encourage motorists to reduce their car usage where possible. Commuters can enjoy a less stressful journey by handing over the responsibilities of driving, parking etc., whilst at the same time making savings on their travelling costs.
Billy Shannon, Aviva
The Aviva survey also revealed that, while 80% of respondents are aware that second-hand car prices have shot up in the last year, 20% were unaware of it. Of those who are aware of the price jump, 9% claimed they would purchase a new car as a result, with a further 6% saying they were going to sell their car for a good price. Similarly, of the 20% who were not aware of the price increase, 6% claimed that they might consider selling their cars now that they are aware of the increase in value.
Billy Shannon added: “Research from second-hand car sales website DoneDeal issued late last year indicated that the price for second-hand cars was up 67% in September 2022 when compared with March 2020. This dramatic price increase has been driven by a combination of global pandemic restrictions and shortages of microchips for new cars, resulting in an increase in motorists looking to the used car market to make their purchase. The results of this are driving the value of these second-hand cars as there are simply not sufficient used cars available to meet the demand from motorists”.