Business drivers prepared to ditch their car to cut emissions

More than half (57%) of car drivers would consider using alternative modes of transport, rather than their own or company car, a survey from Venson Automotive Solutions suggests.

According to Department of Transport figures, 68% of the UK population use a car to get to work. The Government’s target of totally carbon-neutral transport by 2045, will however, increase pressure to reduce the number of car journeys people make.

When people were asked what would encourage them to try different methods of transport, more than a quarter of drivers said that schemes organised and endorsed by their employer would help and give them reassurance around the safety of using shared services.

Among those respondents that were willing to consider other transport options, 42% opted for ridesharing or carpooling, where drivers offer empty seats to others travelling to a similar destination, such as their office or business area. 

More than one in four (28%) thought that a car club might be a good solution, where car rentals are typically charged by the hour or mile.

Priority car parking spaces for car sharers and car clubs was a popular option with 28% of the surveyed drivers, and 26% said that combining public transport with the employer providing minibus collection to and from the nearest station or bus stop would actively change their attitude.

Alison Bell, marketing director for Venson Automotive Solutions, said: “As we begin a new decade and the focus is firmly on what we can all do to achieve our environmental goals, businesses need to take an active role in encouraging their staff to look at more sustainable transport options.

“With improved range on electric cars, a company pool car scheme is one solution for businesses with grey fleet drivers, delivering a viable alternative to using their own vehicle on company business.

“Offering such alternatives can help businesses to not only achieve their environmental goals but also reduce transport costs.”