Extra 10 Million Road Users Predicted

Most areas of the UK could see a rise of approximately a third in the number of commuters driving to work post-lockdown.

Following three months of strict lockdown measures, with residual effects of that and social distancing still in place, people are being encouraged to return to work after the mass migration to working from home at the height of the crisis.

The recommendation from the government is to avoid public transport or wear a face mask whenever possible and maintain a distance from fellow passengers.

But the thought of being in a confined space where, if crowded, social distancing would be near enough impossible has pushed many into commuting by car as an alternative.

Research from Compare the Market indicates that 61% of commuters intend to drive to work going forward, compared with just 34% before Coronavirus struck. This is potentially another 10 million cars on the road.

Break those stats down into regions and an increase of 38% is expected in the West Midlands, with a 36% rise in Wales and 31% in Yorkshire and the Humber. The lowest surge can be found in London where only 12% more people are expected to travel by car to and from work.

As this influx of road users begins to increase, it is useful to plan ahead when working out your commute to work:

Allow extra time for your journey

A predictable problem at the height of rush hour, snarl-ups and traffic jams are inevitable as too many vehicles attempt to use junctions along busy stretches in towns and city centres. Although this has not been the case during recent months, expect your journey to take longer as increasing numbers head back to work, with more individuals using vehicles as opposed to public transport.

Think of alternative routes

It is always useful to have a plan B and C if your usual route becomes backed up. With more individuals in their vehicles, there will be additional pressure on the road network to cope. The height of rush hour is tricky enough, so it would be beneficial if you knew an alternative route to work, avoiding those time-consuming jams on major routes.

Consider parking options

If you are one of those changing your method of commute, it is important to consider where you can leave your vehicle close to work. Some offices have designated car parks or parking spaces, however many city centre offices don’t, resulting in a scramble to find a spot to leave your vehicle for the rest of the day. Planning ahead and doing your research could save you time before your shift and also a lot of money if you can avoid parking in expensive multi-storey car parks.

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