Number of Vehicles on the Road in the UK [2017]

According to figures released by the Department for Transport earlier this year, “3.3 million vehicles were registered for the first time in Great Britain during 2016, the highest annual total ever recorded.” As this number increases, Motorway Windscreens will be taking a look at the statistics associated with the different types of vehicle on the roads, as well as some interesting facts about each!

30,900,000 Cars

Cars
  • During 2016, almost double the number of ultra low emission vehicles (ULEVs) were registered in the UK than 2015.
  • The most popular new car model in Great Britain in 2016 was the Ford Fiesta (119,000), followed by the Vauxhall Corsa (76,000), the Volkswagen Golf (71,000) and the Ford Focus (70,000).

2,200,000 Vans

Vans
  • In December 2016, the number of licensed vans was at its highest ever at 11%.
  • New registrations in 2016 included 1,025 vans whose models are eligible for plug-in grants. This contributed towards the increase in registration for ultra low emission vehicles.

493,600 HGV

HGV
  • The number of HGVs registered for the first time in 2016 was up 4.6% on 2015.
  • The number of HGVs newly registered has increased in five of the last six years.

161,500 Buses & coaches

Buses & coaches
  • The number of newly registered buses and coaches in 2016 was up 5% on 2015. However, this was 27% below the record number recorded in 2003.
  • Of the 161,500 buses and coaches registered in 2016, 30% were single-deck buses or coaches, 15% double-deckers, and 55% minibuses.

120,000 Motorcycles

Motorcycles
  • Since 1996, there has been a big increase in the number of larger motorcycles on the roads. Most of this 69% increase over the last 20 years can be attributed to bikes over 500cc.
  • At the end of 1994, there were 630.4 licensed vehicles in the motorcycle, scooter & moped tax class on the UK roads. By the end of 2016, this number had increased to 1,091.6.

242,200 Taxi & private hire vehicles

Taxi & private hire vehicles
  • The total number of licensed taxi and private hire vehicles in England increased by 9.3% between 2013 and 2015 - this was the highest number of licensed vehicles since 2005.
  • By the end of March 2015, 100% of taxis in London were wheelchair accessible.

3,182,700 Other vehicles

Other vehicles
  • In January 2013, the driving licence legislation for three wheelers changed. A mandatory motorcycle licence requirement was introduced and all new licence holders intending to drive three wheeled motorcycles or cars must be a minimum of 21 years old.
  • Vehicles used just for agriculture, horticulture and forestry don’t require vehicle tax.

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