Posted on Tuesday, 15 September 2020 by CarTakeBack

This year due to the impact of coronavirus we've all likely had lots of unexpected car free days, due to travel restrictions and lockdown measures. Perhaps you've enjoyed the quieter roads, walked or cycled to work, or even worked from home. Either way you're probably well prepared for World Car Free Day on the 22nd September!

How Coronavirus impacted our driving habits

The Coronavirus Pandemic has certainly impacted our lives in lots of ways, particularly our driving and travel habits. In terms of car use, it's made many of us rethink our daily commutes, our journey to the shops, and our impact on the planet. As we saw the changes that lockdowns and less cars on the roads had, many of us have vowed to use our cars less. Whether less driving has made us, more relaxed because of the reduction in traffic, save money on fuel and parking, walk, run or cycle more, or maybe we just enjoyed hearing the birds a bit more rather than traffic noises. Will we still use the roads and our cars in the same way as we did earlier this year?

An audit found that greenhouse gas emissions from Australian cars slumped by more than a third as the country went into partial lockdown in April, cutting national carbon pollution by about 7% for the month. Although transport emissions will rebound as lockdowns ease, it's hoped that a positive impact will still be felt with a greater number of people working from home, as well as changes in peoples driving habits.

UK data showed an AA survey of almost 20,000 people in April - during the UK lockdown - revealed that, 22% will drive less (increasing to 24% of those over 65). Will we see similar attitudes here?

Leave the car parked this World Car Free Day

If you choose to cycle, walk, run, skateboard, rollerblade, unicycle, pogo stick - ok maybe a bit too far! - rather than drive the car, there's many benefits, to you and the planet. The main benefits are that it can improve your health and reduce emissions. It can also save you money, with the cost savings on parking and fuel.

Ditch driving altogether

We couldn't talk about World Car Free Day without mentioning scrapping your car! Whether you're conscious of the impact driving is having on the world, and your wallet, and are giving up your car for good, or if yours is reaching the end of the road and you're upgrading to something more environmentally friendly, CarTakeBack can help you responsibly recycle your old car or van. Find out more about how to scrap your car >

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