45% of Britons say their average travel spend has increased in 2025, as more affordable public transport and fixing potholes seen as key areas for improvement

A recent Ipsos UK survey sheds light on the commuting habits, preferences, and concerns of adults in Britain. The study, conducted online between April 4th and 7th, 2025, reveals significant concerns about cost, stress, and environmental impact.

Key findings 

• Car dominance: Cars or vans remain the dominant mode of transport for commuting, significantly outnumbering public transport and active travel combined.  55% of working adults in Britain used a car or van as their primary mode of transport to work in the past four weeks, compared to 22% who used public transport and 14% who used active travel (walking, wheeling, cycling, or using an e-scooter). 
• Stress and productivity: One in five commuting Britons find their commute stressful (22%), compared to just over half (56%) who say it does not cause them stress. Britons are split on whether they consider their commute productive, with 36% saying that they can spend the time usefully and 42% saying they cannot. 
• Environmental concerns: While just over two in five (43%) commuters value environmentally friendly travel personally, a larger proportion (62%) believe people should be free to choose any mode of transport, regardless of its environmental impact.
• Negative aspects of commuting: Poor road conditions (31%), traffic congestion (31%), and the cost of travel (25%) are the most cited negative aspects of commuting among Britons who travel to work.
• Public priorities for improvement: More affordable public transport (39%), more road maintenance to fix potholes (37%), more reliable journeys (29%) and more frequent public transport services (28%) are the top priorities for improving commutes, according to Britons. Over half of Reform voters prioritise fixing potholes (57%), while Labour voters prioritise making public transport affordable (42%).

• Increased travel spend: 45% of Britons report an increase in their average monthly travel spend in 2025 compared to 2024.
• Affordability challenges: Almost four in ten (37%) of those experiencing increased travel costs find it difficult to afford the extra amount.

Commenting on the findings, Lizzie Copp, Research Director at Ipsos said:

Our new research paints a complex picture of commuting in Britain. While cars remain the dominant transport mode, there's a clear tension between this preference and growing concerns about cost, stress, and environmental impact. The public's prioritisation of affordable public transport and road maintenance underscores the need for investment in these areas. Furthermore, the rise in travel spend, coupled with the financial strain it's placing on many, particularly those at peak working age of 35-54, highlights the urgent need for solutions that address both affordability and accessibility.

Technical note: 

• Ipsos interviewed a representative sample of 1,089 online adults in Britain aged 18-75, including 738 employed or self-employed adults. Polling was conducted between the 4th and 7th April 2025.  
• Data are weighted to match the profile of the population. All polls are subject to a wide range of potential sources of error.