The average mileage might be falling but that doesn’t mean people aren’t on motorways. They might just be on motorways less often.
.....
So I don’t think your statistics say what you think they say. I don’t see anything that says SUVs are less likely to be on the motorway.
Less likely than what/when?
All the stats show that numbers of cars have increased far more than motorway miles.
Cars in general are doing less motorway miles... and if SUV's only follow that trend then each individual car/SUV is doing less so we should plan accordingly.
Other than the imperative to minimise fuel consumption, which is the point here.
Is it? Why is that an imperative over cleaner burning ?
Er yes, but they could equally be on a 100 mile daily motorway commute, you have no way of knowing.
But in any case, that would be correlation, not causation. Choosing an SUV doesn’t mean you will then go on to do fewer miles; and however many miles you do choosing an SUV will cost you more fuel.
** Assuming people are paying for their own fuel ** most people are going to try and buy something that minimises their spend even if they don't give a toss about climate change. Given your theoretical driver doing the 100 mile commute it's insignificant if that isn't the norm.
Outside a few professions (IT consultancy, sales reps etc) most people I know get a new job and a new car most appropriate / least cost (or move closer if its more permanent) or get rid of the car or only keep one for weekends.
This is reflected in the data... and average journey lengths which you can break down.
** Assuming people are paying for their own fuel **
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/advisory-fuel-rates
If you REALLY want to reduce emissions in ICE vehicles then I'm trying to explain you're looking in the wrong place.
Who is most likely to be doing the 100 mile commute in a 3L SUV? A nurse / teacher or a consultant incentivised to spend more as a depreciating asset and rewarded per mile by engine size?
Bunnyhop
Another thing I’ve noticed is the paving over of front gardens.
Now this has been going on for many decades, However because cars have got larger then more gardens have been paved.
Well the poorer people that can't afford a drive are going to be well and truly shafted once they are forced into EV's and using public charge points.
The travels, and the travel nots.
Your new two tier society, coming soon to a Britain near you.
** Assuming people are paying for their own fuel ** most people are going to try and buy something that minimises their spend even if they don’t give a toss about climate change
Nah, not really... not many... not even that many at all of the people i know buy their cars for that reason.
Clever SUV anyone?
