‘Frustrated’ drivers take to country

Motorists are attempting to avoid gridlocked urban roads by switching to longer, rural routes, new figures suggest.

Traffic levels on Britain’s urban A roads have fallen by 1 per cent since 2012 while usage of rural A roads is up 12.8 per cent, according to Department for Transport data.

A record 327.1 billion miles were driven on Britain’s roads in 2017, a 1.3 per cent increase from the previous year.

AA head of roads policy Jack Cousens 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 the congestion on main roads, that they are prepared to drive a little further if it means they can keep the wheels turning.”

Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, said the increase in traffic “underlines the need for sustained investment in our roads”.

He went on: “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.”

Van traffic is growing faster than any other motor vehicle type, rising 2.7 per cent.

Mr Cousens said: “The huge rise in van traffic shows a change in consumer habits with the steady rise of online shopping, as well as more people turning to self-employment.”