Car numbers register 64-year low

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The number of vehicles in use across the country has fallen for the first time in 64 years, it has been revealed.

The amount of cars on the road fell 0.7 per cent from the previous year to 31,035,791 in 2009, the first time in peacetime since vehicle records began in 1904, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) confirmed.

Figures also revealed that the overall CO2 emission of cars went down by 1.75 per cent in 2009 compared with 2008. The last three years have seen a rise of 90 per cent in the number of cars emitting less than 120g of CO2 per kilometre.

Silver cars maintained their top position in the colour charts for second straight year, followed by blue and black. Red occupies the fourth spot.

SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said: "The recession is the most obvious factor impacting on the number of cars on the road.

"The scrappage incentive scheme has also removed a large number of older and more polluting vehicles. Alongside these economic factors, tough enforcement has helped remove unlicensed vehicles from UK roads."

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