In our recent report, European Passenger Travel During COVID-19, INRIX analysed how the pandemic affected travel across Europe. Using INRIX Trip Trends, we were able to view vehicle-miles traveled (VMT) in numerous countries across Europe, as well as provide insight into city-level travel behaviour.

By utilising VMT statistics in key UK cities – a method that used to take months, now takes days – INRIX provides road authorities, fleet operators and businesses key solutions to help get the economy back on track from COVID-19 related shutdowns.

We found that VMT fell across Europe, especially during the three-week span at the end of March and early April. At the time of the study’s release, we had found:

  • 10 of 19 countries analysed had met or exceeded their pre-COVID level of VMT
  • A significant slowdown in VMT growth during the previous four weeks
  • Spain had the largest drop in VMT of countries analysed, with an 88% drop

Latest EU Data
As of the time of this blog, 16 of 19 countries had reached their respective pre-COVID levels of travel, with Belgium, Ireland and the UK lagging behind. Spain continues its large VMT growth, at an average of 19% per week for the month.

European Countries VMT Growth

Country Lowest VMT Date Lowest VMT Current Travel Weekly Avg. Growth Since Low Weekly Avg. Last 4 Weeks
Austria 23/3/2020 21% 108% 13% 9%
Belgium 30/3/2020 25% 95% 11% 7%
Czech Republic 30/3/2020 40% 128% 9% 8%
Denmark 30/3/2020 44% 131% 9% 7%
Finland 30/3/2020 35% 130% 11% 5%
France 30/3/2020 22% 144% 16% 10%
Germany 30/3/2020 40% 104% 8% 3%
Ireland 6/4/2020 27% 89% 10% 11%
Italy 23/3/2020 24% 111% 12% 5%
Luxembourg 30/3/2020 25% 109% 12% 7%
Norway 23/3/2020 53% 123% 6% 4%
Poland 13/4/2020 35% 126% 12% 7%
Portugal 6/4/2020 22% 101% 14% 5%
Russia 30/3/2020 62% 122% 5% 3%
Slovakia 6/4/2020 33% 137% 13% 10%
Spain 6/4/2020 12% 116% 21% 18%
Sweden 30/3/2020 56% 113% 6% 3%
Switzerland 23/3/2020 43% 102% 6% 4%
UK 6/4/2020 26% 83% 10% 7%

 

Latest UK Data
To gain a deeper insight into what is happening around major metropolitan areas, INRIX Trip Trends allows us to monitor and analyse vehicular travel in a quick, easily digestible manner.

INRIX passenger travel display

Over the past four weeks, London has averaged a growth rate of 4%, while Cardiff had a growth of 7%. While this difference seems minimal, it shows that the VMT in Cardiff is actually growing at a rate that is 75% faster compared to London.

Major UK Cities VMT Growth

Metro Area Lowest VMT Date Lowest VMT Current Travel Weekly Avg. Growth Since Low Weekly Avg. Last 4 Weeks
Belfast 13/04/2020 30% 76% 9% 3%
Birmingham 06/04/2020 32% 76% 8% 4%
Cardiff 06/04/2020 27% 71% 8% 7%
Edinburgh 30/03/2020 29% 73% 7% 6%
Glasgow 30/03/2020 32% 80% 7% 6%
Leeds 30/03/2020 28% 70% 7% 4%
Liverpool 23/03/2020 40% 87% 6% 3%
London 06/04/2020 38% 78% 6% 3%
Manchester 06/04/2020 29% 73% 8% 4%

 

Currently, the UK is still 83% of pre-COVID VMT, with Liverpool as the only area in the country to surpass the national level. This indicates much more travel is happening outside of major metropolitan areas, as people work from home and employment center activity remains low.

We’re expecting “traffic” will be back soon as restrictions lift, along with extended delays in major metros. Please check back as we continue reporting the latest European travel patterns.

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The Impact of COVID-19 on European Transportation Trends