As International Walk to School Month officially commences on Wednesday 5th October, new research from Virtuo has discovered 1 in 4 Londoners still feel car ownership is essential, despite 70% of citizens preferring to use public transport for the daily commute. With an approximate 2.6 million registered cars in London, at least 1.8 million of these vehicles are estimated to be largely unused Mon-Friday, taking up city spaces and clogging streets.

International Walk to School Month throughout October, is aimed at reducing traffic congestion during the week, reclaiming the streets and improving the environment. Research has proven that 80%(A) of people want car idling outside schools to be banned, with bigger measures such as temporarily closing the road space alongside schools significantly reducing nitrogen dioxide from diesel cars by up to 23%(B).

The movement fits with Virtuo’s mission to challenge social conditioning around the prominence of cars in society, encouraging a move away from ownership to streaming cars on demand, with usage geared around specific moments only. Their new research reveals local government initiatives to create cleaner air by cracking down on car usage are also welcomed by the majority of Londoners, with 53% in favour of the ULEZ

In the midst of a cost of living crisis and despite a multitude of travel options, existing data demonstrates that on average parents spend a staggering £642.25(c) every year on the school run alone, yet a majority (59%) would prefer to walk or cycle their children to school (B). Which begs the question why do people feel the need to own a car?

Virtuo’s research suggests a deeper emotional connection to cars is contributing to London’s car-clogged streets, with each parked vehicle symbolising stored up aspirations for freedom as 84% of Londoners believe a car increases travel opportunities, particularly around weekend escapes from the city.

Virtuo argues the volume of cars in our cities can be significantly reduced if more emphasis is placed on closing the perception gap around the purpose of car ownership. Virtuo’s app-based car rental service has emerged as a true option for cities and their citizens to be free from the burden of owning a personal car that sits idle for 95% of its lifetime, by providing a more economical, practical and environmentally sustainable approach.

Karim Kaddoura, CEO & Co-Founder said, “We believe cities can be more proactive to integrate the ethos of Walk to School Month into our lives 12 months a year. Everyone from national government and local planners to transport authorities and the rental industry, all have a part of to play in changing the narrative around car usage, to benefit both the environment and household pockets, especially as when we consider the cost of living crisis. The majority of Londoners (58%) think that the cost of having a car is too high and 42% feel the car no longer has a place in our cities, so let’s make a change.”