New Government figures show that one in four households in England did not have access to a car or van in 2025, the highest proportion recorded in a decade.
The latest figures from the annual National Travel Survey show that 25% of households were without a vehicle last year, up from 22% in 2024 and 21% in 2020.
The figures come amid continued debate over the rising cost of motoring and accusations that drivers are facing an increasing number of charges and restrictions.
Despite the fall in car ownership, cars and vans remain by far the most popular way of getting around England. They accounted for 76% of all miles travelled in 2025 and 58% of all journeys.
Lower-income households most affected
The figures highlight a significant gap in car access between higher- and lower-income households.
Almost half (44%) of households in the lowest income group did not have access to a car last year. By comparison, just 17% of households in the highest income group were without one.
Around 42% of households had one car, while a further 33% had access to two or more vehicles.
The data suggests that the cost of owning and running a car could be becoming an increasingly important factor for families, particularly those on lower incomes.
However, the decline in car ownership has not been matched by a significant rise in other forms of transport.
Walking, cycling and public transport remain broadly unchanged
Around 31% of journeys in 2025 were made using active travel, meaning walking or cycling was the main form of transport. This was broadly unchanged from 2024.
Public transport accounted for around 10% of journeys, also remaining broadly similar to the previous year.
Bus journeys outside London remained unchanged at 28 trips per person. In London, bus use increased slightly from 13 to 15 trips per person.
Rail travel, however, declined. The average number of journeys made on mainline rail fell from 21 per person in 2024 to 18 in 2025 — an 11% decrease.
This came despite the Government's decision to freeze rail fares.
Fewer car journeys
The survey also recorded a decline in the number of journeys made by car.
There were 323 car-driver trips per person in 2025, a 9% fall compared with 2024. Passenger journeys also declined, with 166 trips per person — a 12% decrease.
The fall comes as motorists continue to face pressure from the cost of fuel, insurance, maintenance, parking and other running expenses.
Drivers have also faced a growing number of changes to the way they use and pay for the road network.
Since Labour came to power in 2024, the Government has faced criticism over policies including the expansion of 20mph zones, plans for a mileage-based charge for electric and hybrid vehicles, and proposals that could increase parking penalties outside London.
Some local authorities have also increased parking charges, while low-emission and congestion schemes have introduced additional costs for certain motorists.
Critics accuse Labour of targeting motorists
The latest figures have prompted renewed criticism from opposition politicians.
Tory shadow transport minister Greg Smith said the figures showed that Labour was "waging war on motorists", arguing that cars remain essential for many families travelling to work, taking children to school and completing everyday tasks.
Reform UK's deputy leader Richard Tice similarly claimed that working families were being hit by policies aimed at motorists.
The Government has rejected the criticism.
A Department for Transport spokesman pointed to a £24 billion investment in improving roads and repairing potholes, as well as infrastructure projects such as the Lower Thames Crossing.
The department also highlighted plans for a new Road Safety Strategy and argued that cars remain the country's dominant form of transport.
Cars remain central to everyday travel
Although the proportion of households without a vehicle has reached its highest level since 2015, the National Travel Survey makes clear that cars remain central to everyday life in England.
Three-quarters of households still had access to at least one car or van in 2025, while motorists continued to account for the vast majority of miles travelled.
The figures therefore, paint a more complicated picture than simply a decline in car use.
For some households, particularly those on lower incomes, owning a vehicle may be becoming increasingly difficult. At the same time, alternatives such as walking, cycling and public transport have not seen a corresponding increase in use.
With motoring costs continuing to be a concern for drivers, the debate over affordability, car ownership and the future of Britain's roads looks set to continue.