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Motoring news

Summer traffic falls to lowest levels in a decade

09/11/2012

New government figures have revealed that traffic on Britain's roads dropped to its lowest levels in over ten years this summer.

The statistics from the Department for Transport show the number of vehicles using the country's roads was one per cent down between July and September compared with last year.

The government department believes UK motorists and car insurance policy holders were put off from using the country's roads due to the Olympics and poor weather throughout the summer.

AA President Edmund King told the Press Association, "This weather-related fall in traffic adds to reductions due to the UK's economic condition and the high price of fuel.

"As many as 75 per cent of AA members have said that they have cut back on spending, driving or both as a result of high fuel prices.

"While some may say less traffic on the roads is a good thing, it doesn't help businesses like tourist attractions or indeed the general economy. It also highlights the fact that some people on lower incomes can no longer afford to take out the car. At least those who stayed at home were able to enjoy a spectacular Olympics."

Summer traffic levels were their lowest since 2001 although road use differed across the country. Traffic was actually heavier on motorways and rural A-roads but decreased across all other categories, with 7.9 per cent fewer motorists using urban roads.

Car levels were down 1.1 per cent whilst heavy goods vehicles hit their lowest levels since 1993, falling by 2.9 per cent. Summer traffic levels were also eased by the fact 10.8 per cent fewer motorbikes, buses and coaches used the country's roads.