UK drivers still enjoy going for a spin

The majority of motorists still enjoy taking their car out for the sole purpose of enjoyment, according to a study by AA/Populus.

The survey revealed rising petrol costs, insurance premium inflation and crowded roads don’t seem to have detracted from motorists’ delight in taking their vehicle out for a drive, with 55% of owners giving their car a run out purely for enjoyment.

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Data showed 23% take their vehicle out on a leisure drive at least once a month, while a tenth of owners go for a spin on a weekly basis.

The poll analysed responses from 20,000 AA members, revealing those living in Northern Ireland were the most likely to go for a drive – 72% of respondents in the territory indicated they had taken their vehicle out with the aim of having a good time.

Unsurprisingly, those living in London were the least likely to do so, with only 47% confirming driving for driving’s sake was on their agenda.

Confirming a stereotype, 60% of men established they were inclined to go for a quick dash in their motor, with only 47% of women highlighting they’d do the same.

It’s also apparent that younger motorists are keener to get behind the wheel for pleasure than older drivers – 62% of car owners between 18 and 24 said they’d go for a spin to have a good time compared with only 52% of drivers in the 45-54 age group.

AA president, Edmund King:

“Despite cones, congestion, clamping and high costs, drivers’ love affair with the car and driving continues.

“We hear stories that younger people are more interested in social media than driving but our poll seems to suggest that younger drivers are more likely to drive, just for the sake of it, than other drivers.”

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