Fewer motorists have stopped making every day automotive journeys than in the course of the first coronavirus lockdown, in line with figures.
Round 10% extra automobiles have been in every day use in the course of the first week of the newest restrictions in contrast with the lockdown that started in March 2020, RAC evaluation of journeys made by its Black Field Insurance coverage clients revealed.
However automotive use within the seven days from January 5 this 12 months was nonetheless 22% decrease than in February 2020, earlier than the virus outbreak.
The RAC believes visitors volumes are at the same stage to mid-Could final 12 months, which was when coronavirus guidelines began to be relaxed and folks have been inspired to return to workplaces in the event that they have been unable to work at home.
There have been requires harder restrictions amid surging coronavirus instances.
RAC information perception spokesman Rod Dennis mentioned: “Regardless of the entire of the UK now being beneath an additional coronavirus lockdown, our information reveals the variety of automobiles in use has not dropped to the identical extent it did the primary time restrictions have been introduced in final March.
“The texture of this newest nationwide lockdown could be very completely different to that which was first imposed in 2020, with higher numbers of individuals working in Covid-secure workplaces, extra outlets providing click on and accumulate companies, and extra youngsters of key staff attending faculties.
“As well as, with so many avoiding public transport, there’ll inevitably be way more folks choosing the safer atmosphere of the automotive. Collectively, these variations assist account for the busier roads.
“Nonetheless, it’s important drivers consider carefully earlier than utilizing their autos and guarantee they’re solely venturing out for important journeys as specified by Authorities pointers.
“Each pointless journey will increase the probabilities of a breakdown, or worse a street visitors collision, and dangers including to the pressures being skilled by our emergency and healthcare staff.”
