Third of UK adults heard birdsong in built-up areas due to quieter streets in lockdown, new study finds

Over half of those surveyed said quieter roads and reduced air pollution during the pandemic has made them more environmentally conscious

39 per cent said lockdown has made them more likely to consider a zero emission car as their next vehicle (iStock)

The empty streets of lockdown helped more than half of Brits reconnect with the environment – with a third hearing birdsong in a built-up area for the first time, according to research.

UK traffic fell by almost 75 per cent in April, reaching levels not seen since 1955, while UK carbon emissions fell by 31 per cent.

The number of vehicles back on the road is now approaching pre-Covid levels, but the quieter nature of society has had a lasting impact on the public.

A survey of 2,000 UK adults by Hyundai found 55 per cent felt their experiences this year had made them more environmentally conscious.

And half didn’t realise the negative effect noise and air pollution had been having on their life.

But three quarters (74 per cent) said they noticed a reduction in air pollution when cars were off the road at the height of the pandemic.

Incredibly, a third (34 per cent) heard birdsong in a built-up area for the first time during lockdown, with this figure rising to 42 per cent in London.

The research by Hyundai also revealed how Brits – 81 per cent of whom regard air pollution as a blight on society – want authorities to do more to drive the UK to a carbon neutral nation.

Three quarters (76 per cent) want all public transport in city centres to be zero emission.

And almost two thirds (59 per cent) think the government should consider a scrappage scheme to get more people into zero emission electric vehicles.

It also emerged 39 per cent said lockdown has made them more likely to consider a zero emission car as their next vehicle.

Ashley Andrew, managing director, from Hyundai Motor UK, said: “The quieter roads during lockdown have really given us an insight into what a greener world could look and sound like – and it’s clear that the British public is serious about its commitment to improving the planet and living in a more environmentally-conscious way.

“To draw attention to this, and the possibilities of an electric vehicle future, we’ve collaborated with Ren Harvieu on this exclusive new track called Electric Feels.”

The research by OnePoll for Hyundai was carried out ahead of the winner of this year’s Hyundai Mercury Prize being announced.