COVID-19 Public Attitudes Survey Data: Wave 4

Transport Scotland is monitoring public attitudes to transport and travel during the COVID-19 outbreak. We are doing this through a telephone survey carried out on our behalf with a representative sample of over 16s across Scotland. This information provides the key findings from the survey. This information is used to gain an understanding of the ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting current travel behaviour and intentions for future travel in Scotland. This information cannot be used to determine compliance with government guidance relating to non-essential travel in isolation. Police Scotland hold information in relation to penalty notices issued under emergency legislation. These findings are for the fourth wave of the survey which took place from 24 - 27 June 2020. The key findings are:

Current Behaviour

• The majority of people have left home at least once in the past 7 days (83%).
• The main trip purposes continue to be to shop for essential items or groceries (88% leaving the house at least once) and outdoor exercise (78%). Over a third (34%) have gone to someone else’s house but kept a 2 metre distance; while one in five (21%) have left home to run errands for someone else.
• People continue to shop for essential items less frequently (1-3 times a week) whereas they take part in outdoor exercise more frequently (6-7 times per week). For those that do visit someone else’s house or run errands for someone, this is done for the most part only once a week.
• Private car or van remains the main mode of transport used across most trip purposes in the past 7 days, with walking or wheeling the other main method used. For those travelling to work, 74% indicate that they are travelling by car or van; 11% have used active modes; while 9% have said that they used public transport.
• Prior to lockdown, car or private van was the main mode of transport used by respondents. However, 45% say they are using car or van less since lockdown restrictions came into effect and 35% are walking or wheeling more than they did prior to lockdown.
• Currently, people are more likely to: use contactless payments (55%); exercise outside the home by walking (47%); contact family and friends by phone, video call or texting apps (47%); shop closer to home (41%); and use conference calls and video call to communicate with colleagues, customers and clients (40%) compared to before restrictions were put in place.
• 31% of people are more likely to shop online to purchase products they would normally buy in-store; 16% are more likely to use home delivery for supermarket shopping more.
• 75% of people agree that the information and guidance on travel and transport restrictions issued by the Scottish Government has been clear.

Active Travel

• Over a third of people (34%) have access to a bike for adult use. A further 3% have access to a bike but it is not road worthy.
• A quarter of people (25%) indicated that they would be prepared to walk for part or all of their commute to work. The majority of these people suggest a trip duration of between up to 10 minutes and half an hour, one way.
• The main reason given for not walking for part or all of their commute to work is that it’s too far to walk.
• 15% indicated that they would be prepared to cycle for part or all of their commute to work. The majority of these people suggest a trip duration of between 11 and 45 minutes, one way.
• The main reasons given for not cycling for part or all of the commute to work are that it’s too far to cycle; no washing or changing facilities at work; and safety on the road.
• 50% agree with the statement “I will walk and cycle more when restrictions on transport are lifted”.

Looking Ahead

• Concerns about using public transport remain high. 75% of people are very or fairly concerned about contracting or spreading the virus while using public transport; and 67% are very or fairly concerned about having enough space to observe physical distancing on public transport.
• 41% agree with the statement “I will avoid public transport and use my car or other vehicle more than I did before when restrictions on transport are lifted”. The main reasons for avoiding public transport are the risk that others are still carrying the disease; they never use public transport; convenience; and unable to stay 2m apart.
• 38% agree with the statement “If social distancing on public transport was in place, I would be more likely to use public transport”.
• 81% agree with the statement “I will wear a face covering if using public transport”.
• 35% agree with the statement “I expect to work from home more often in the future”.