One in five drivers carpools with colleagues

• London is UK’s number one carpooling city with 22 per cent sharing rides to work
• Only 43 per cent of carpooling drivers receive monetary contributions from passengers
• 60 per cent of those who drive to work have less disposable income because of increased costs
   

New research1 from Direct Line Motor Insurance has discovered that London is the nation’s carpooling capital, with more drivers giving lifts to and from their offices than in any other city in the UK.

With more than one in five (22 per cent) of drivers sharing their car with at least one other person, London sits proudly at the top of Direct Line’s Carpooling League Table. In comparison, drivers in Leeds are languishing at the bottom of the table with just 15 per cent carpooling on their way to and from work.2

As the cost of motoring continues to spiral, nearly 1.6 million3 commuter drivers in the UK are now carpooling. Despite 60 per cent of those who drive to work saying they have less disposable income as a result of increased motoring costs, only 43 per cent of those who give lifts to others ever receive any money in return.

Drivers in the capital may carpool more frequently than those in any other UK city, but they are not the most generous. That title goes to the carpoolers of Glasgow who contribute a very healthy £11.10 for each journey, compared to the UK average of £5.60 per trip. London carpoolers contribute an average of £10.60 per journey compared to Bradford where people contribute just 90 pence a journey.

Steve Price, Head of Direct Line Car Insurance, commented: "People across the country are looking for ways to save money and carpooling is an opportunity for commuters to save and also positively benefit the environment. With fuel costs continuing to rise, and increasing congestion at peak times, carpooling is not only an excellent way of limiting costs but also eases the pressure on our roads. Our customers' are covered to use their car in this way, as long as any payment they receive is to only cover the cost of fuel and general wear and tear of their vehicle.”

Direct Line’s Carpooling League Table

1. London
2. Glasgow
3. Manchester
4. Sheffield
5. Birmingham
6. Bradford
7. Liverpool
8. Edinburgh
9. Bristol
10. Leeds
     

Direct Line’s Passenger Contribution League Table

1. Glasgow
2. London
3. Birmingham
4. Manchester
5. Liverpool
6. Sheffield
7. Leeds
8. Bristol
9. Edinburgh
10. Bradford
     

-ENDS-

For further information please contact
Chris Wilson/Ewan Robertson
Citigate Dewe Rogerson
Tel: 0207 282 1087/2981
Email: RBSinsurance@citigatedr.co.uk

Simon Henrick
Direct Line PR Manager
Tel: 0208 313 5965
Email: Simon.henrick@rbs.co.uk

About Research

1. Vision Critical interviewed 1095 UK individuals who drove to their place of work on 12 October 2011
2. 45% of those in employment drive to work (in their own car). 37% work full time (30 or more hours a week). 8.325 million Drivers * 19% = 1.581,750
3. *Transport for London - http://www.tfl.gov.uk/
    

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.

Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales no 1179980. U K Insurance Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

Direct Line and UK Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc, which is wholly owned by the Royal Bank of Scotland Group.

Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0845 246 3761 or visiting