Drivers turn country lanes into ‘rat runs’ to beat congestion

THE number of drivers using country lanes as “rat runs” to escape congested town centres is on the rise, Government figures show.

Traffic levels on Britain’s urban Aroads have fallen by 1 per cent since 2012 while use of rural ones is up 12.8 per cent, according to the Department for Transport.

Improvements to public transport were highlighted as an influence behind the declining volume of traffic in towns and cities, while satnavs giving motorists live traffic updates to offer alternative routes given as another.

The department also suggested that frustrations caused by urban gridlock was resulting in more drivers choosing to travel on quieter country routes, even if it took longer.

Its report states: “In urban areas, factors such as congestion on urban roads and better cycling and public transport links can make car travel a less attractive option than in rural areas.”

A record 327.1 billion miles were driven on Britain’s roads in 2017.

The figure is a 1.3 per cent rise from the previous year and a jump of 4.2 per cent over the past decade.

Jack Cousens, the AA’S head of roads policy, said: “Drivers forced to sit in traffic jams day after day will not be surprised to learn that traffic levels are at an all-time high.

“A 12.8 per cent rise in the use of rural A-roads over the past five years shows that drivers are so frustrated with congestion on main roads that they are prepared to drive a little further if it means they can keep the wheels turning.” Figures showed that rural roads carried 44 per cent of all traffic last year, while urban routes accounted for 35 per cent and motorways the remaining 21 per cent.

The study also found the number of HGVS, buses and coaches using country roads had declined, although van traffic was growing faster than any other motor vehicle type, rising 2.7 per cent year-on-year, twice as much as the national average for all vehicles.

The study hinted that this increase was partly caused by online shopping deliveries as well as more people becoming self-employed in the gig economy.

‘Drivers are so frustrated they are prepared to drive a little further if it means they can keep the wheels turning’

Mr Cousens said: “Worries about the cost of non-essential travel and parking pressures are also leading to a greater reliance on deliveries.”

The RAC said increasing traffic numbers highlighted “the need for sustained investment in our roads”.

Steve Gooding, the director of the RAC Foundation, said: “National and local highways have never been so busy and the result of so much use is easy to see in the form of potholes and ruts. We need consistent, long-term funding to ensure routes are adequately maintained and can stand up to the pressure.”

Meanwhile, sales of diesel cars decreased for the 15th month in a row in June. Data showed that 74,361 diesels were sold, down 28 per cent in a year.