Organisation: Department for Transport
Date uploaded: 21st August 2013
Date published/launched: July 2013
This Statistical Release presents information on personal travel by residents of Great Britain during 2012.
Data is collected via two main sources – interviews with people in their homes, and a diary that they keep for a week to record their travel. The survey covers travel by all age groups, including children. In 2012, diary data was collected from 8,200 households, covering more than 19,000 individuals.
The key findings from the 2012 survey include:
• Over the long term, trip rates increased until the mid-1990s, but have since fallen back to the 1970s level. In 2012, the average person made 954 trips per year compared to 956 in 1972/73 and 1,086 in 1995/97.
• In 2012, the average distance travelled was 6,691 miles which is 49% higher than in 1972/73, but 4% lower than in 1995/97. Average trip length was 7 miles.
• Since 1995/97, trips by private modes of transport fell by 14% while public transport modes increased by 2%. Walking trips fell by 27%.
• Most of the decline in overall trips rates between 1995/97 and 2012 is due to falls in shopping, visiting friends and commuting purposes.
• In 2012, trips by car (as a driver or passenger) accounted for 64% of all trips made and 78% of distance travelled.
• On average, females make more trips than males, but males travel much further each year. The average number of car driver trips and distance travelled by men is falling while those by women are increasing.
• Concessionary travel pass take-up was 79% of those eligible (82% of females and 74% of males); ranging from 66% in rural areas to 88% in London.
• People in the highest household income quintile group made 29% more trips than those in the lowest income quintile and travelled nearly 3 times further.
• Estimated average annual car mileage was 8,200 miles.
For more information contact:
Lyndsey Melbourne
T: 020 7944 6594