Department for Transport Vehicle Licensing Statistics for Great Britain 2020

At the end of 2020, there were 38.6 million licensed vehicles in Great Britain, a 0.3% decrease compared to the end of 2019.

Cars make up the majority of licensed vehicles. There were 31.6 million cars (76.6%), 4.2 million LGVs (14%), 486,000 HGVs (1.7%), 1.2 million motorcycles (5.1%), 137,000 buses & coaches (0.2%), and 769,000 other vehicles (2.1%) licensed at the end of 2020.

2.1 million vehicles were registered for the first time in Great Britain during 2020, 27% fewer than during 2019. During 2020, 179,000 ultra low emission vehicles (ULEVs) were registered for the first time in Great Britain, an increase of 125% on 2019. ULEVs made up 8.5% of all new registrations in 2020.

More alternative fuel cars (338,000 vehicles) were registered for the first time in Great Britain during 2020 than diesel cars (295,000), following a 87% annual increase in alternative fuel cars year on year, amidst a sharp decline for both petrol and diesel cars.

View full report: Vehicle Licensing Statistics GB: Annual 2020