Driving is far less popular among young men than a decade ago but more women and older people are getting behind the wheel according to a study that could impact on transport planning in future.

The RAC Foundation’s ‘On the Move’ report says that males in their 20s drive 2000 fewer miles a year compared to 10 years ago. Men over 60 drive as much as 1000 extra miles a year and women aged between 30 and 70 drive over 750 miles further each year.

Female licence holders have increased over the decade but company car use has fallen sharply the report also said. Overall average car driving per head of the population has changed little in 10 years.

“Men still drive about twice as much per year as women but it will be interesting to see what happens to the 20 – 29 year old males in future years,” said RAC Foundation spokesman Philip Gomm. “Will they remain a non driving generation or will they reach their 30s and drive more as they get families and jobs? Or they could say that they have coped well without driving so there is no need to start. The decisions they make could have important consequences for transport planning.”

More elderly motorists could, Mr Gomm added, lead to changes in parking provision, junction design and signage on highways. “Consultants will be well aware that the past is no indicator of what will happen in future.”

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