By Tom Austin-Morgan

While the uptake of active travel is growing in a lot of areas, private vehicle use remains dominant. In the latest National Travel Survey, covering 2023, car driving was the most frequent mode to begin a trip, accounting for 39%. In addition, the average trips increased from 2022 for both car drivers and passengers.

The figures for 2024, to be released in August 2025, are expected to be similar. This despite electric vehicles (EVs) accounting for 19.6% of all new car sales in 2024 according to the latest figures from the SMMT.

“Range anxiety is still the biggest point of opposition raised with EVs,” Mark Harrison, Principal Transport Planner at Mott MacDonald explains. “Despite the fact that many EVs now exceed 250 miles per charge – more than adequate for most daily journeys which are typically less than 100 miles.”

Mott MacDonald has supported stakeholder engagement campaigns for local authorities to tackle these perceptions head-on. “We work with our clients to present accurate, relatable information,” says Harrison. “When people understand the cost savings – lower fuel and maintenance costs – they become much more receptive. And we provide

technical input to ensure charging infrastructure is placed where it will be most effective.”

Read more from CIHT: Optimism for mass electric vehicle adoption in UK

Too much of a good thing?

Yet it is not just about replacing internal combustion engines with EVs. A critical risk Mott MacDonald has identified is the potential for mode shift reversal, where there is a danger that people see EVs as the sole solution to transport decarbonisation and return to high car usage, undermining gains made in reduced congestion due to public transport and active travel initiatives. 

“Although there will always be a place for car journeys, a balanced, multi-modal strategy remains essential,” Harrison adds. “As an industry, we need to make sure that the private sector investment is accountable to that sort of social requirement.”

Mott MacDonald’s work also highlights the wider societal benefits of clean transport. “We always consider the public health implications – reduced air pollution leads to lower rates of respiratory and cardiovascular disease. It’s about connecting decarbonisation with improved quality of life and reduce the burden on the NHS.”

Looking ahead, Harrison notes the importance of long-term planning and revenue funding to maintain momentum: “Capital investment in infrastructure is critical, but so too is funding for behaviour change programmes and maintenance. We advise clients to plan for both.”

As decarbonisation strategies mature, Harrison believes public trust will follow. “We’re seeing growing acceptance, particularly when projects are locally led and well communicated,” he concludes. “The key is helping people feel confident in the alternatives, whether that’s e-bikes, EVs, or enhanced bus networks.”

Read more from CIHT: Zero emission vehicle targets - lessons in ensuring a just transition.

Image: EVs in parking lot while charging. Credit: Shutterstock.