Traffic congestion on major roads has fallen by almost one-third (31%) over the course of the past two years, according to new research.
A report published by the AA has suggested that congestion levels on motorways and trunk roads are ‘inextricably’ linked to major financial events, following the first fall in 20 years.
The Congestion – commuting, an economic barometer report claimed that ‘rush hour’ was becoming ‘redundant’, due to a rise in unemployment.
The study did find that congestion levels ‘spiked’ on Fridays and school and bank holiday weekends. It attributed this 50% rise to the fact that people were opting for UK holidays rather than more expensive trips abroad.
Graeme Fitton, chair of the County Surveyors’ Society (CSS) transport committee, told Surveyor: ‘The recession is clearly having an impact on congestion, but we mustn’t lose sight of the good work being done by highway authorities around the country and the Highways Agency in targeting congestion hotspots.’
He added that investment in transport systems must continue because congestion would eventually return.
The report was based on five years of traffic information collated by Trafficmaster and commuting behaviour research, carried out by the AA. One-fifth of commuters polled said the downturn had resulted in them working from home more regularly in order to avoid the cost of travelling to work.
Edmund King, president of the AA, said: ‘When times are hard, it is with reluctance that we look at ways of cutting down on car journeys and using alternative modes of transport. This only strengthens our need to keep investing in the road infrastructure, so that when the recession ends, we have a network which can support a thriving economy.’
But Richard George, the Campaign for Better Transport’s roads and climate campaigner, told Surveyor: ‘Tackling the volume of traffic involves giving people better alternatives rather than spending so much on building new roads.’
• Congestion – commuting, an economic barometer
Register now for full access
Register just once to get unrestricted, real-time coverage of the issues and challenges facing UK transport and highways engineers.
Full website content includes the latest news, exclusive commentary from leading industry figures and detailed topical analysis of the highways, transportation, environment and place-shaping sectors.
Use the link below to register your details for full, free access.
Already a registered? Login
