National Travel Survey: 2012
Personal travel statistics in Great Britain during 2012 from the National Travel Survey.
Documents
Details
A number of files in the statistical data set pages accompanying this release were published prematurely in error for a brief period, due to a technical problem. These files were removed from the website as soon as the error became known.
The NTS contains the latest results and trends on how and why people travel with breakdowns by age, gender and income. It also contains trends in driving licence holding; school travel; and concessionary travel.
Update - 19 September 2013
An error has been found in the data processing and calculation of household income quintiles. This error affects the NTS 2012 Statistical Release and tables NTS0703 to NTS0705. The error has been corrected and the affected Statistical Release and tables have been revised. We apologise for this error and any inconvenience caused by it.
Main results
Over the long term, trip rates increased until the mid-1990s, but have since fallen back to the 1970s level. In 2012, the average person made 954 trips per year compared to 956 in 1972/73 and 1,086 in 1995/97.
In 2012, the average distance travelled was 6,691 miles which is 49% higher than in 1972/73, but 4% lower than in 1995/97. Average trip length was 7 miles.
Since 1995/97, trips by private modes of transport fell by 14% while public transport modes increased by 2%. Walking trips fell by 27%.
Most of the decline in overall trips rates between 1995/97 and 2012 is due to falls in shopping, visiting friends and commuting purposes.
In 2012, trips by car (as a driver or passenger) accounted for 64% of all trips made and 78% of distance travelled.
On average, females make more trips than males, but males travel much further each year. The average number of car driver trips and distance travelled by men is falling while those by women are increasing.
Concessionary travel pass take-up was 79% of those eligible (82% of females and 74% of males); ranging from 66% in rural areas to 88% in London.
People in the highest household income quintile group made 28% more trips than those in the lowest income quintile and travelled nearly 3 times further.
Estimated average annual car mileage was 8,200 miles.
Technical information
Further information on the National Travel Survey, including standard error estimates for 2009, survey materials (questionnaire, travel diaries and fuel card), the UKSA assessment can be found at the National Travel Survey page.
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National Travel Survey statistics