More than two thirds of people earning a living in urban areas outside of London commute to work by car, according to new research.

The RAC Foundation admitted this week that its finding that 67% of urban workers use cars outside of the capital “did surprise us”.

Among rural workers, the percentage of workers using a car to commute was 73% and in London the figure was nearly 30%.

Its research titled ‘The Car and the Commute’ added that one in 10 car owning households can be described as being in ‘transport poverty’ and spends more than one quarter of their disposable income on buying and running a vehicle. 

Publication of the report ahead of this week’s Autumn Statement is designed to remind the Chancellor that the rising cost of motoring is placing an increasing burden on the poorest workers.

RAC Foundation director Professor Stephen Glaister said: “The level of car dependency in England and Wales is huge, not just in rural areas but also urban ones.”

“People are still driving despite a decade in which the cost of running a car has outstripped wage inflation. The danger is that people will be put off from taking up employment because they just can’t afford the commute.”

“Transport poverty is a real threat to the economy and there needs to be renewed justification from Ministers as to why such as essential product as road fuel is taxed at 60%,” he added.

Sustainable transport charity Sustrans said that ensuring alternatives to driving are more accessible and affordable should be a priority.

(Photo: Norman Adams)

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