Have you ever?

I decided that instead of sitting home watching soaps...I would go down to see Mum.
It's a year since Dad left us..."The nights are still getting longer, Dad"
Driving back was seriously odd.....I drove up the A6 and only passed 5-6 other vehicles.
I drove through Lancaster, there was no one around!
Is this because of the high fuel prices?  or that combined with the fact most people don't have the disposable income they had ...what 5 years ago?