MORE than a million drivers could be using their parked-up cars to get some peace and quiet during the Covid-19 lockdown, according to research from Skoda.

The survey of 2,000 drivers provided an insight into how our' behaviours towards our cars have changed since the lockdown began and what we are missing most about driving.

With over a third (39 per cent) of UK motorists currently working from home, drivers are using their parked cars for a range of different activities.

Potentially up to 1.2 million motorists (eight per cent), are retreating to their parked car to get some time alone away from the family, whilst in London it rises to more than a fifth (23 per cent) who are finding solace in their car.

A further seven per cent are using their vehicle's infotainment system to listen to music, the radio, or a podcast.

Ever resourceful, more than 20 per cent of respondents stated that they have found alternative uses for their cars whilst they remain stationary outside their homes, including as a place to watch TV on a mobile phone or tablet device, taking a nap and even as an interim playground for their children.

Although motorists may be unable to get out in their vehicles at the moment - aside from essential journeys and limited travel to work - 13 per cent say that they have headed into the driver's seat to dream about their post lockdown road trip.

Vehicle owners are also taking greater care of their cars during lockdown, with 22 per cent reporting that they are washing their car more regularly, and a further one in five are cleaning the interior more often than usual.

In fact, nearly two thirds of all UK motorists are missing driving their cars, with the sense of freedom it provides being the thing they miss most (64 per cent) - a figure that rises to 70 per cent for Generation Z - those born in the 1990s..

A Skoda spokesperson said: "The research highlights that whilst we may not be able to currently use our cars in the traditional fashion, they still play a hugely significant part in our everyday lives."