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The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reported last week that sales of all cars to individual drivers fell by 5.5pc last month.
The net result is that there are more and more old cars on the road, with implications for Britain’s health, the Government’s net zero targets and road safety.
Britain’s fleet “is probably the oldest we’ve ever had in the UK”, says Jim Saker, motoring expert and emeritus professor at the University of Loughborough.
Ian Plummer, commercial director of Auto Trader, said: “Covid disruption took an estimated 2 million new cars out of the market and it means that around 40pc of cars on the road will be more than 10 years old in the next five years.”
The growing number of old bangers is not driven by a lack of demand, with almost seven in ten of us travelling to work by car.
But drivers appear reluctant to commit to expensive new petrol and diesel cars, or electric vehicles (EVs).
Instead, drivers are opting for second hand and older models.
Plummer says: “The sheer shortage of cars, combined with the practical necessity for drivers to stay on the road, is pushing prices higher.
“As long as those market dynamics remain in place drivers will have to get used to paying more for older cars and we expect prices to remain high for some time to come.”
Older cars can pose a number of risks to both drivers and passengers.
While strict safety standards have been in place for decades, an older fleet will have more cars without the newest features such as assisted braking, lane assist and other semi-autonomous features.
It also means dirtier vehicles staying on the road for longer.
Most of the ageing cars still on the road today are diesel and petrol burners. Aside from the Toyota Prius, there were few hybrids available more than 10 years ago.
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