Over a third of drivers to stop car sharing due to coronavirus, reveals survey by Peterborough-based Motorpoint

Over a third of people questioned are planning to stop car sharing permanently due to COVID-19, according to Motorpoint.

A new web-based survey by the UK’s largest independent car retailer found 41.3 per cent of people thought giving a lift to people was now a thing of the past due to the pandemic. Some 750 people took part in the poll on the Motorpoint website – www.motorpoint.co.uk.

The results of the poll come as traffic volumes in the UK continue to steadily increase to almost pre-lockdown levels. According to the RAC, there has been a 19 per cent increase in the number of vehicles on the road between late March and early June – driven in part by calls by the Government for people not to use public transport except where they have no alternative.

Mark Carpenter, chief executive officer of Motorpoint, said: “The results of our poll are clearly understandable given COVID-19 and definitely reflect the desire by people to maintain social distancing at all times when outside of their home, whether it’s travelling to work, visiting friends or simply popping to the shops for a loaf of bread and some milk.”

Motorpoint re-opened all of its branches in England at the beginning of this month. It’s branches in Scotland and Wales are currently closed.

And, as part of its safeguarding process in light of COVID-19, customers will be able to test drive cars unaccompanied while all vehicle collections will be contactless and completed in specially designated areas to guarantee social distancing at all times.