The proportion of households in England without access to a car has reached its highest level in a decade, according to the latest government data. The annual National Travel Survey released by the Department for Transport shows that one in four households did not own a car or van in 2025, a figure not seen since 2015. This trend reflects increasing financial pressures on families amid rising costs associated with vehicle ownership.

The survey, which examines travel patterns across England, found that cars and vans still dominate as the primary mode of transport, accounting for 76 percent of all miles traveled. However, the share of households with at least one vehicle has declined, with 25 percent reporting no access to a car or van last year. The data also highlighted socioeconomic disparities in car ownership: 44 percent of households in the lowest income group lacked access to a vehicle, compared with 17 percent of those in the highest income bracket.

While public transport usage remained fairly steady, bus trips outside London held at an average of 28 trips per person, rail travel saw a slight decline, with mainline rail journeys dropping from 21 to 18 trips per person between 2024 and 2025. The report noted that a third of households owned two or more vehicles, while 42 percent had one.

Critics have attributed these trends to recent government policies perceived as unfavorable to motorists. Since Labour took office following the 2024 general election, they have introduced several measures aimed at reducing car use and emissions. These include expanded 20mph zones, a planned pay-per-mile charge for electric and hybrid vehicles, and a proposed increase in fuel duty anticipated to further elevate pump prices. In addition, parking fines are expected to increase significantly outside London, potentially more than doubling from a current cap of £70 to around £160. Other local measures include raised parking fees, workplace parking taxes, low-emission zones charging older vehicles, and congestion charges.

Opposition politicians have criticized what they describe as an anti-motorist stance by the Labour government. Conservative transport spokesman Greg Smith said the policies reflect “a war on motorists” and urged a reversal of these measures. Reform UK’s deputy leader Richard Tice echoed this view, emphasizing that many families rely on driving for essential activities such as commuting and childcare, and that increasing costs disproportionately impact working households.

The Department for Transport has been contacted for comment regarding the survey findings and the ongoing policy discussions.