Decline in number of cars on road for first time in 64 years

THE number of cars on the roads has declined for the first time in 64 years, figures show.

The year-on-year fall was the first in peacetime since vehicle records began in 1904, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said.

Vehicles in use in the UK in 2009 totalled 31,035,791 cars – a 0.7 per cent reduction on 2008.

On average, cars emitted 1.75 per cent less CO2 in 2009 than in 2008. The number of cars emitting less than 120g of CO2 per one kilometre has risen 90 per cent over the last three years and now accounts for more than 936,000 vehicles, the SMMT said.

In terms of choice, silver cars continue to be most popular among consumers, topping the colour charts for the second consecutive year after knocking blue off the top spot.

Blue and black cars now follow closely behind in the rankings, with red falling out of favour and now down in fourth position.

SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said: "The recession is the most obvious factor impacting on the number of cars on the road.

"The scrappage incentive scheme has also removed a large number of older and more polluting vehicles. Alongside these economic factors, tough enforcement has helped remove unlicensed vehicles from UK roads."

He added: "Significant advances in technology, higher fuel costs and innovative design are affecting the types of models on the road, raising the appeal of more fuel-efficient vehicles and making them more accessible to buyers."