The average age of cars on UK roads is the highest it has ever been

13 June 2021

The average age of cars on UK roads is 8.4 years old – the highest it has ever been since records began in the year 2000 – and there are almost 10 million vehicles built in 2008 and earlier still on the road.

This follows the drop in new car sales during 2020, with 29% less new cars appearing on UK roads in what the RAC called a 28-year low.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) says, “While this [the current age of UK cars] is testament to the durability and quality of modern vehicles, an ageing fleet risks stalling the UK’s attempts to reduce emissions.”

According to the SMMT, cars built in 2020 emit an average of 112.8g/km of CO2, which is 18.3% better than models registered in 2011.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said, “With the pandemic putting the brakes on new vehicle uptake in 2020, the average car on our roads is now the oldest since records began some 20 years ago, as drivers held on to their existing vehicles for longer.

“The technology is changing, however, albeit slowly. Despite massive growth last year, just one in 80 vehicles is a plug-in electric car – while nearly 10 million petrol and diesel cars dating back to before 2008 remain on our roads.

“Encouraging drivers to upgrade to the newest, cleanest lowest emission cars, regardless of fuel source, is essential for the UK to meet its ambitious climate change targets.”

Back to Blog listings