Car ownership rates across the UK could plummet in the coming years as young people find it increasingly more difficult to get behind the wheel.
New data has shown that owning a car is becoming increasingly out of reach for younger people, with 32 per cent of Gen Z (1997-2012) not owning a car.
This is significantly higher than 24 per cent of millennials (1981-1996) and just 22 per cent of baby boomers (1946-1964) who do not own a car.
The so-called "keyless generation" is becoming more common since would-be drivers find it too expensive to buy a car, keep up with running costs and deal with maintenance.
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The 'keyless generation' could see millions of drivers avoid the roads in the coming years
GETTY
More than two in five younger people say they cannot afford the upfront cost of a car, while 26 per cent blame other factors like fuel prices and the growing rate of car tax.
Alarmingly, nearly one-fifth (18 per cent) of Britons believe they will never be able to afford a car of their own.
Many people, especially those in younger generations, are becoming more reliant on family members and friends for lifts and the opportunity to borrow their cars.
The keyless generation, which is also referred to as "NOCKers" as they "never own car keys", believe car ownership is essential for modern life, even if they cannot afford one.
Car tax was cited as a barrier for young people when looking to invest in a vehicle
GETTYExperts from Tempcover say that owning a car was previously a "rite of passage into adulthood", but is now becoming out of reach.
Claire Wills-McKissick, a temporary car insurance expert at Tempcover said: "Attitudes toward driving and travel are shifting, with financial pressures affecting people of all ages.
"While some find car ownership increasingly out of reach, others are consciously choosing to opt out.
"Fortunately, temporary car insurance offers a flexible alternative, letting people borrow a car and enjoy the freedom of driving on a need-to-go basis, without the long-term costs or commitments of car ownership."
Among those who do not own a car, almost a quarter believe they will never be able to afford one, while around one-third will only consider buying a car when prices fall.
Environmental considerations are more evident among younger generations, with 12 per cent saying they would rather take public transport or use active travel methods than drive.
Although prices of electric cars are still high, drivers can see ticket prices falling in line with petrol and diesel equivalents.
With the lower costs, younger people may be more inclined to invest in a car which does not produce any harmful CO2 emissions, potentially bucking the trend of falling car ownership rates.
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Young people identified petrol and diesel prices as a hurdle to car ownership
GETTYSome young people acknowledge that not having a car can be difficult, but that they can avoid the stressful parts of owning a vehicle, such as parking, traffic or road rage.
