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National Travel Survey

About this study

The National Travel Survey of more than 15,000 households is used by the Government to develop its transport policy and make sure transport plans meet the UK's travel needs.

We conduct the National Travel Survey every year. It is the only national source of information on where, why, how and how far people travel. You can read the findings from the latest National Travel Survey, published in 2009, here

Potential policy impact

The National Travel Survey plays a key role in the Department for Transport's decision making about current and future transport policy.

It is used to develop policy about the environment and the promotion of social inclusion through the improvement of public services.

It is also used by groups representing the interests of motorists, cyclists, the elderly, rural communities and children.

Methodology

Each year we select a sample of 15,048 household addresses in the UK. This sample is scientifically chosen to represent the wider UK population.

Everyone living in the UK has an equal chance of being asked to take part in the survey.

We ask everyone living in these households if they will be interviewed and keep a travel diary for one week.

We ask them how they go to work, school and to the shops, and how near they live to a train station or bus stop.

We find out what types of transport they use, and why they make the trips they do.

The information gathered is then used to help create a national picture of how people travel.

You can find out more about taking part in the survey on the National Travel Survey website.

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