Congestion 'will rise nearly 40%'

25 February 2010

A report has claimed that traffic congestion will increase by nearly 40% by 2025 unless more money is spent on our roads.

The Road Users' Alliance (RUA) said congestion will rise by 37% if the current minimal amount of money invested in roads continues.

The Road File 2010 report claimed that the lack of cash could lead to drivers spending 656 million hours a year in traffic jams fifteen years from now.

It said that the road system had been left uncompetitive and congested by the lack of investment. Figures revealed that only £4 billion is spent on improving roads - despite the Government collecting £47 billion in road tax.

The report also showed that money spent on new motorways in the UK is among the lowest in Europe at a time when 92% of passenger transport takes place on Britain's roads.

RUA director Tim Green said: "Hard choices face whichever party leader finds himself in Downing Street after the election. Will limited funds be spent on rail, which moves fewer than 10% of UK passengers, or invested in the transport mode which makes the biggest contribution to the UK's prosperity and quality of life - the road network?"

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