That may explain why, with a General Election not far away, nearly a quarter of the £36bn saved from Rishi Sunak scrapping HS2 up North is now going on fixing potholes to make road journeys better.
But outside the UK, cars are less dominant.
And new research by the Centre for Cities today shows that public transport commuting levels in the North's big cities lag well behind European counterparts.
The number of people travelling to work on buses, trains or trams in Britain's major urban areas would need to double to catch up with those on the continent.
The analysis found the proportion of residents of Manchester and Birmingham who commute by public transport is 16% and 18% respectively.
This is in contrast with Hamburg in Germany (40%) and Lyon in France (33%), cities with similar population sizes.
This story is from the December 03, 2023 edition of MEN on Sunday.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 03, 2023 edition of MEN on Sunday.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Howhasit come to this for Pep's 500th game?
PEP Guardiola should be in the ultimate honeymoon period.
No surprise McAtee eyes exit in January
CITY and James McAtee both made clear that they wanted to make things work this season. Despite City's title defence crumbling around him, however, McAtee has had a front row seat to the season rather than an active role.
Maguire risks ban in Magpies fixture
UNITED know they will be without several key players when they return to Premier League action to face Newcastle.
'I want to make history at United'
AMAD Diallo 'wants to make history' with United as he aims to help Ruben Amorim turn around the club's fortunes.
Sutton tips 'rubbish' Reds to lose
NEWCASTLE United will make it four wins in a row when they take on United because Ruben Amorim's side are 'rubbish'.
United have to face up to Old Trafford nerves
HOW will the nerves be tomorrow night then? In the wake of Manchester United's pre-Christmas defeat to Bournemouth, Ruben Amorim identified nervousness and anxiety as a problem to be overcome, for his team and the supporters.
Ronaldo 'will be owner of big club'
UNITED legend Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his intention to buy a football club after he retires from professional football.
Council tax needs overdue overhaul
WHILE festive shoppers have been deciding what to buy in the last few weeks, under-pressure local politicians across Northern England are weighing up which public services they can still afford to run.
Claims of a 'fix' with no elections due in 2025
THERE will be no elections held in Greater Manchester in 2025.
Family takes on DIY SOS to build a home for Gary
THE family of a man left disabled after suffering a stroke say they've been left 'blown away' by people's kindness after deciding to build a specially adapted house for him to live in.