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Lockdown traffic is busier this time around

27 January 2021

Analysis of new data from RAC Black Box Insurance has revealed that traffic levels during the current lockdown restrictions are higher than those of the first lockdown in March 2020.

Traffic levels have reduced by 22% since the latest lockdown rules were introduced on January 5 2021, compared with normal levels as recorded in the first week of February 2020. 

The RAC has just reported its “busiest start to a New Year on record” with 8% more breakdowns in first four days of January 2021 compared with the same period in previous years. The motoring organisation suggests that the cold weather and reduced usage of vehicles due to lockdown are partially to blame for the increase.

Analysis of other RAC data found that pandemic traffic levels were at their lowest in the second week of the lockdown of March 2020 (week commencing March 30 2020) at just 41% of normal levels. 

Pandemic traffic was found to be back to normal levels during the week commencing September 7 2020, when UK schools returned from the summer holidays. 

RAC data insight spokesman Rod Dennis said, “Despite the whole of the UK now under a further coronavirus lockdown, our data shows the number of cars in use has not dropped to the same extent it did the first time restrictions were brought in last March.

"The feel of this latest nationwide lockdown is very different to that which was first imposed in 2020 with greater numbers of people working in ‘Covid-secure’ workplaces, more shops offering click-and-collect services, and more children of keyworkers attending schools”.

He continued, "Unfortunately, the return of colder weather from next week risks increasing the chances of drivers encountering breakdowns with flat batteries which we expect to cause people problems, especially if they’re hardly using their vehicles at the moment.”

When driving for essential journeys, make sure that your vehicle is in good shape before you set off, particularly if you have to undertake a long journey. If you would like to find out more about how the team at Marshall Leasing can assist with your fleet requirements and help you keep the ‘show on the road’ as safely as possible, please get in touch at info@marshall-leasing.co.uk or by calling 01480 414541. 

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