Public reminded over essential journeys as car traffic rises

People are being urged only to leave the house for essential reasons, as new data shows an increase in the number of journeys being made in Scotland.

Compared to the start of lockdown, car traffic has risen by 20% - though most of that involves local trips.

There are also more bus trips being made by older people.

Michael Matheson, Scotland's transport secretary, said: "This week the Covid-19 transport trend data provides a weekly snapshot compared to a lockdown baseline of Monday March 30 to Sunday April 5.

"Moving from a before to within lockdown comparison is important to monitor changes in travel as we consider the transition from restrictions looking ahead.

"I would like to thank and pay tribute to the clear overwhelming majority of people who are continuing to follow Government guidance and limit travel to only essential journeys. This is a vital effort as we collectively continue to help protect the NHS and save lives.

"This week's transport trend data shows some further upward movements in car traffic and concessionary travel since the lockdown began. Given these trends and ahead of a bank holiday weekend, we have to be absolutely clear, it is still as important as ever to only leave the house for essential journeys."

The data shows that travel has increased from an average of 0.9 trips per person, per day, to 1.2 trips.

Walking and cycling continues to be higher compared to the start of lockdown.

While public transport use remains low, there has been a rise of 2% in concessionary bus travel this week, compared to last week. Travel by this age group is now about a fifth higher compared to the start of lockdown.