Road congestion fears as UK traffic levels hit all-time high

If it didn’t already appear obvious while driving anywhere, new figures show that Britain’s roads have more traffic on them than ever.

Department for Transport data shows that there were 320.5 billion vehicle miles travelled in 2016, up 1.2% on the previous year – and the most ever recorded.

The figure marks a 2% increase on the pre-recession peak in the year ending September 2007.

Traffic on motorways and rural A roads increased to new record levels last year, rising by 2.1% and 2.5% respectively.

Motoring experts have no warned that the figures show that Britain’s roads are a misery to drivers.

RAC public affairs spokesman Nick Lyes said: “Today’s statistics lay bare just how increasingly congested our roads are becoming.

“Motorists, who are paying in excess of £40 billion a year in overall motoring taxation, will find it incredibly frustrating that they are having to deal with clogged up roads with these provisional figures showing that traffic levels hit an all-time high in 2016.”

Research commissioned by the RAC shows that congestion and longer journey times are ranked fourth in a list of the biggest concerns among motorists.

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Mr Lyes added: “While the Government has made progress in investing in the strategic road network, motorists will be unforgiving if the same attention isn’t given to local roads.

“These record figures show there is a lot of catching up to be done if we are going to keep motorists and the economy moving.”

Van traffic saw the biggest growth last year at 3.4%, with heavy goods vehicles up 2.8% and cars up 0.7%.

The Campaign for Better Transport (CBT) claimed the figures highlight the need for the Government to boost investment in public transport, walking and cycling routes, take action to ensure new homes are built near public transport connections and encourage more freight traffic off the roads and on to rail.

CBT sustainable transport campaigner Bridget Fox said: “Given what we now know about the country’s lethal and illegal levels of air pollution, more than ever we must see urgent action taken to halt the growth in traffic levels on our roads.”

A Department for Transport spokeswoman said: “We are taking the big decisions for Britain’s future by investing a record £23 billion to get traffic moving and reduce delays.

“Transport doesn’t just help people get around, it helps them get on. Roads open up opportunities and vehicles have clocked up a record number of miles in the last year, which is good news for British industry and our economy as a whole.”

Top pic: PA