Britain is a car-reliant nation where vehicle ownership has gone through the roof and car usage is now completely engrained in our lives according to a new RAC report The Car in British Society. In the last decade the number of cars has jumped by 30% from 22.7 million to 29.6 million.

At the same time the population grew by just 4% to 60.6 million. Now, for 80% of the population, living in a house with a car is the norm – with the biggest recent growth in ownership seen amongst the poor and older people. Over three quarters of households now own at least one car, and 70% of adults have a driving licence.

The average citizen makes two-thirds of trips by car and three-quarters of their weekly mileage the same way. RAC Foundation director Stephen Glaister comments: “More than four out of five people say they would find it difficult to use their cars less: “Historically people had everything they needed – work, shops, family, friends and schools – within walking distance.

Today this is rarely so. There is no question of getting rid of cars. Instead we must change the type of cars we use – smaller, lighter, more fuel-efficient models with less cradle-to-grave CO2 emissions. It is a myth to claim public transport is the magic answer.” While car use has grown for nearly half a century, this trend appears to have halted in recent years with usage per person stabilising and cars being used less intensively.

This may be due to the changing nature of the car-driving population, or because traffic congestion has deterred some people from using their cars. Researcher Dr Karen Lucas, from Oxford University, said: "Our research suggests most people cannot envisage a future without their cars and many would go to great lengths to continue using them.

The current policy debates about reducing car use, through road pricing and personal car allowances, do not fully consider the impacts that this might have on people's lives, especially those on low incomes or with limited travel options."