The graphs below illustrate the percentages of car ownership among UK families across three decades.
In the first decade, nearly 40% of families did not own a car. This figure decreased to 32% by 1981, and the trend continued to decline, reaching only 20% of families without a car by 2001.
The percentages of families owning just one car fluctuated over the years. The starting point in 1971 was nearly 22%, which rose slightly to 27% in 1981. However, this figure dropped to 18% in 1991, before gradually increasing again to approximately 20% in 2001.
In contrast, the percentage of households owning two or more cars began at almost 30% in 1971, marking the highest point of this trend. This figure halved over the next ten years, falling to just 15% in 1981. It then gradually increased to 20% in 1991 and remained stable until 2001.
Overall, car ownership among UK households changed significantly over the years. By the end of the observed period, the number of families without a car reached its lowest point.
