We’re excited to present the first findings from our Future of UK Motoring Survey.

The survey has been regularly communicated to Electric Road’s database and social media audiences.

These findings are based on submissions received from 24th May 2024 to 13th June 2024. The response has been incredible with the total number of responses on 5,188, at the time of publication, achieving a 65.7% completion rate. We will continue to promote this survey and update findings on a quarterly basis.

Fuel type of vehicle

Do the current UK Government do as much as they can to make motoring affordable for drivers?

A pretty resounding response so far!

Has the current UK Government articulated a clear strategy for UK motoring?

Once again, most drivers aren’t happy with the current Government regarding communicating (and possibly formulating) a clear motoring strategy.

What should be the priority over the next 12-24 months?

Nearly 90% of respondents so far think the roads should be much improved. It seems no matter where you live in the UK, the general state of the roads is similar.

Will the Government move back 2035?

2035 is currently when the ban on the sale of new petrol & diesel cars will happen.

Do you believe any of the political parties will fulfil their policies on motoring & transportation?

A lack of faith in politicians generally or specifically on motoring?

Do you believe fully autonomous vehicles will be prevalent on UK roads in the future?

Given the increasing number of autonomous elements in current new cars this response does surprise us somewhat at ER.

Do you think shared mobility will be popular in the future reducing the need for individual car ownership?

We think it does depend on where you live primarily in relation to colleagues, friends & family and if you’re prepared to do so!

What ‘fuel type’ do you think will be the predominant choice for UK drivers in 2050?

‘The UK is committed to reaching net zero by 2050. This means that the total greenhouse gas emissions would be equal to the emissions removed from the atmosphere, with the aim of limiting global warming and resultant climate change.’ (Source: UK Parliament, House of Commons Library).

Given the increasing number of EVs on UK roads many drivers think hydrogen and/or synthetic fuels will be the predominant choices in 2050.

What innovations or changes would you like to see in UK motoring & transportation in the short & long-term?

Just some of the feedback we’ve received from the survey:

‘Investments in alternative fuels. LPG has come and gone, EV is here now but will hydrogen or something else be prevalent in the future? Will it be like videos? Betamax, system 2000 & VHS and now it’s all streaming services of one form or another!’

‘More frequent, affordable rural public transport. Invest in alternatives to electric vehicles.’

‘I’d like to see improved materials used on road surfaces. As cars get heavier, road surfaces will suffer more damage. Either that or put some research into carbon nanotube batteries so cars don’t have to weigh so much. I want to see alternate biofuels at the pump which will reduce carbon emissions and have my yearly tax calculated by the measurements taken at MOT. This may incentivise me to use biofuel in my older petrol car.’

‘Scrap smart motorways with no hard shoulder, they’re dangerous.’

‘Road tax generally goes to new road projects. Firstly, the road tax we pay should go to maintaining the roads we currently have. Secondly, all road users should pay road tax as all vehicles cause wear and tear to the roads including bicycles. It’s a fair system to maintaining the roads.’

‘More trams and light railways with automated systems replacing buses.’

‘I’d like to see the motorist stop being persecuted and just used as a cash cow!’

‘Continue to develop the internal combustion engine for greater efficiency.’

‘First get the roads to a decent standard as the money motorist’s pay the government should be spent on the roads not their vanity projects. Also get the infrastructure in place for EV cars and help the transport industry by bringing it back in-house.’

‘Lower speed limits (ideally 20mph or less) in urban areas and where people live, work, study, shop or play. Far greater investment in walking and cycling and incentivize people to switch to active travel modes for shorter journeys and public transport for longer ones.’

‘Car prices need to come back down to a reasonable level.’

‘Elimination of ULEZ and congestion charges.’

‘Stop the pressure to change to EVs.’

‘Local councils have to be held to repair the major and minor roads in their area.’

‘I think hybrid cars must be supported as much as EVs by the Government as they offer the best of both worlds: electric for shorter journeys in urban areas and petrol for longer journeys. That would also be combined with improved charging infrastructure in the urban areas as well as at motorway services etc.’

‘True consideration of total environmental costs of production and disposal of vehicles should be taken into account.’

Have your say via the Future of UK Motoring Survey!