IT MIGHT feel like there is more traffic than ever on Reading’s roads, but a new survey suggests that the town’s bus network might be really beneficial.
Howden Insurance says it researched which regions have the fewest household to car ratios – Reading came third.
It used data from the 2021 Census to explore the number of available cars per household across the top 25 largest regions in England and Wales.
There were 1,100,905 homes where there was no car or van, while the total number of households in the study with three or more cars or vans is 246,315.
With its bus and tube network, it should be no surprise the City of London tops the lists: there are no homes owning at least three cars or vans, while 85.2% of households do not own a car or van at all – significantly higher than the national average of just 8.4%.
Meanwhile, 123 households in the City of London own one vehicle and 43 households own two.
Kingston Upon Hull’s was next, with 27,318 households being driverless: that is slightly less than one in two households, which is 32% above the national benchmark.
In third place is the Ding – Howden’s says 37.3% of households (29,992) are car or van free.
When analysing the data, the insurance firm there are many determining factors to consider the ease of multi-vehicle ownership, including the public transport infrastructure of each city and the number of households.
The cost of motor insurance in high-risk areas could also be taken into consideration when analysing the number of cars or vans per household, especially in areas with the highest populations where more cars would be expected.
A Howden Insurance spokesperson said: “If you’re looking at recent car ownership statistics, you’re witnessing a clear call to action, as it’s a reflection of our urban living spaces and how we navigate them.
“For those without a car, robust public transportation options are crucial. For families juggling multiple vehicles, it’s a question of necessity versus convenience. This data invites you to consider the broader implications of our transportation choices.
“It’s about recognising the role each of us plays in shaping sustainable, accessible urban environments. As we move forward, let’s think about how we can contribute to a future where mobility is not just about moving from point A to B but doing so in a way that respects our environment and one another.”
