Do you think people who don't have a car are a bit strange?

[simonrockman]

When someone chooses not to have a car, not out of being self-righteous, or because they can't afford it but just because the "don't see the point" is it a bit strange?


Is it a bit like not having a mobile phone or a television?

Simon

[Nigel Worc's]

Yes, next ?

[HTP99]

Not really, I know of people who live in London and don't own a car as it just isn't needed; if they do need one they hire one for a few days.

[Mr MXT]

I've not got a TV.

[TehRin]

A lot of people don't have cars, thank God. Imagine how crowded the roads will be if everyone with a license could drive?

For what it's worth - I rarely watch TV, by choice I have one but if I didn't I'd not miss it, either.

[RJP001]

I find not having the licence as opposed to car more of a surprise. But then I'm not them.

[anonymous-user]

You dont really need a car in London. All supermarkets have online delivery, bus, tube, train, cab can get you anywhere.....lots of places dont have free parking, add in higher insurance, res parking permit costs etc, for lots of people it doesnt make economic sense.

[Urban Sports]

We had people round tonight and a couple who are 2 of our best friends don't have a car or licence between them, both have had the chance and never bothered, they both work near to home so walk and they both enjoy trips into town for drinks never having to worry about having to drive home or drive the next day.

They're very happy not to and the bloke loves cars.

I think they're mad.

[anonymous-user]

I work with a few people who don't even have driving licenses because they simply don't see the point and don't think they would benefit from one.

Never thought of them to be strange to be honest.

I probably don't own stuff that other people deem essential.

[Mr E]

If I lived in a big city, I'd probably not bother.

I find people who do have a car, but consciously choose something new, expensive and dull...

But hey, everyone's choice is the right one to them. Even when it's not.

[t400ble]

In a word.No.

[Blib]

My daughter is 25. She lives and works in London. She passed her test at the age of seventeen and has never owned her own car.

Frankly, I can not remember an occasion when she has been disadvantaged greatly by this.

[Atmospheric]

Are people who have licences and don't drive / not ever really driven worse? I find that a strange one.

No licence? I can get in a big city like London...but..you know when you are just sick and tired of waiting for something to transport you - you know whatever happens you always have an alternative when going from home. Its priceless

[The Vambo]

Nope, I'm one of them.

I live 1.3 miles from my work which is in Glasgow city centre, 25 minute walk in the morning and I live 30m from an underground station for going elsewhere.

Once every couple of months I do hire a car, £30 for the weekend. Selling my Car was the best thing i ever did.

[GrizzlyBear]

Well some probably are a little odd, but not all...

Several years ago I lived a few miles from work (I count anything under 3 miles as walking distance), the area was a nightmare to park, and around work was similarly difficult, the shops were close by so no problem there, also due to traffic, walking to work wasn't much slower, and kept me fit.

So for a few years I did with out a car. That said it didn't stop me looking through the ads for a wonderfully impractical car

That's the thing, if you don't need it for work, don't need it for shopping or visits to family are easier by train, it becomes quite hard to justify for the odd blast on country lanes, especially when you consider the cost of upkeep etc; even when you are on very respectable money.

[anonymous-user]

Interesting topic actually, and begs the question: Could you live without your car or without a single car in your household?

I can safely say there is absolutely no way I could live without my car. My lifestyle would change dramatically and not for the better.

[dave_s13]

Not owning it having use of a car is fine.

Not having a licence to drive one just shows lack of willing, low self esteem and means you are incomplete as a fully functioning human being.

[Fartgalen]

My daughter got a car at passing her test when 18. Had it a while. Endured the cost. Then gave up and used public transport. Now her 2yrs NCB is a few months old, and no car, she wants another one. Who am I to step in her way ??!!

[anonymous-user]

dave_s13 said:

Not owning it having use of a car is fine.

Not having a licence to drive one just shows lack of willing, low self esteem and means you are incomplete as a fully functioning human being.

Even if you grew up in the centre of a major city and had never needed to be able to drive?

[Nigel Worc's]

NinjaPower said:

Interesting topic actually, and begs the question: Could you live without your car or without a single car in your household?

I can safely say there is absolutely no way I could live without my car. My lifestyle would change dramatically and not for the better.

I feel the same as you, but I think it may be a generational thing.

I grew up in Brum, our second city, with a fabulous public transport infrastructure, becoming 16 in 1977.

The very first thing I wanted was a moped, at 17 a motorcycle, then a car.

I still have a car and bike today.

I now live in Worcester, supposedly a city but not as I understand one, it has woeful public transport.

I have three children, the youngest of them is now 18, only my eldest daughter has bothered to learn to drive, she like myself did it as soon as she could, my 18 year old son and 21 year old daughter have no interest.

I have a brother in law who is nearing retirement, seven nieces and nephews who are in their 30's, all live in Worcester, and none of them can drive or ride a motorcycle.

I think times are changing.