Hundreds of drivers around the UK are set to ditch their cars for a whole month as part of a new challenge to reduce the reliance on vehicles.
Possible, a climate charity, is launching its latest Car Free Challenge which aims to show drivers how they can go about their daily lives without the need for a vehicle.
It questions whether drivers could swap their daily commute or school run from the car to a bus or bicycle and how long people think they could go without their vehicle.
The Going Car Free scheme will start on June 1 and end on June 30, with drivers potentially benefitting from prizes and incentives from Possible.
Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailingmotoring@gbnews.uk
Drivers could win prizes for giving up their vehicles for the month of June
PA/GETTY
In the 2022 Car Free trial, people taking part saved up to £30 a week each and collectively saved around 374kg of carbon throughout the duration of the project.
Possible has previously completed work in Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds and London as part of its aim to create cities that are free of vehicles.
In a new statement, Izzy Romilly, from Possible, said: "A huge thank you to all of you who have helped spread the word about our Going Car Free Challenge.
"Hundreds of drivers have already signed up to take part - so thank you for any part you’ve played in making that happen!
"We have less than two weeks before the Going Car Free month starts, and we want to get as many drivers onboard as possible.
"Remember, participants do not have to go a full car-free month to take part! It’s simply a case of switching up travel choices where possible, and we are on hand to offer support, guidance and incentives."
Despite schemes like this and initiatives designed to curb the use of vehicles, like low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs), vehicle ownership has reached a new record high level.
According to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), there are a record 41.4 million vehicles on UK roads, as of the end of 2023.
Overall vehicle ownership is up 1.6 per cent to around 35.7 million cars, with one in 40 of all vehicles now being zero emission, with more than 960,000 cars.
As part of the data, it found that there are more than five million vans, 625,000 trucks and 71,000 buses across roads in the UK.
As a collective, 58.3 per cent of all vehicles across the UK are powered by petrol and 34 per cent are fuelled by diesel. Hybrid electrics make up 3.4 per cent, battery electrics cover 2.7 per cent of the motor parc and 1.6 per cent are plug-in hybrids.
Commenting on the data, Mike Hawes, chief executive of the SMMT, said: "After two challenging years of constrained supply, more people and businesses across the UK are now getting back behind the wheel – and increasingly, opting for greener options.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
- Major new fuel is 'critical' diesel replacement while electric and hydrogen 'are still in their infancy'
- Police issue urgent warning for drivers amid epidemic of keyless car thefts as Britons told to 'be vigilant'
- Drivers warned of popular cars with the highest fault rates including BMW and VW - are you at risk?
There are more than 41.4 million vehicles on UK roads
PA"However, given the ageing fleet, we now need to encourage consumers and businesses who have deferred purchases of new cars, vans, trucks and buses to upgrade.
"A stronger and stable economy, coupled with reduced living costs, would boost consumer and business confidence, while compelling fiscal incentives would ensure that these purchases are emissions free."
