One-fifths of the public will use their cars less when the coronavirus lockdown ends, according to new research by the AA.
The AA/Populus poll of 20,000 people asked a range of transport and lifestyle questions related to the lockdown and suggests it could result in lasting environmental improvements.
Overall, 11% of all respondents (including those who don’t work) said they would work from home more often once the lockdown is lifted, with this increasing to 23% amongst those aged 35-44. Currently two thirds (66%) are working from home but one third (34%) are unable to do so due to furlough requirements
However, changes in transport use and lifestyle changes will be complex, according to the poll as 40% will see more of their family that they don’t live with and 40% will do more outdoor activities after lockdown, which rises to 62% when including only 18-24-year-olds.
Meanwhile, the Centre for Research in Energy and Clean Air reports that improvement in air quality over the past month of the coronavirus lockdown has led to 11,000 fewer deaths from pollution in the UK and in Europe.
A fall in both road traffic and industrial type emissions have resulted in 1.3 million fewer days of work absence, 6,000 fewer children developing asthma and 600 preterm births.
