2018 road traffic estimates released - RAC reaction

RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said: “While the number of miles travelled on our roads hardly changed in 2018 compared to the previous year, interestingly the forms of transport used have.

“Van traffic, despite experiencing slower growth in 2018, still saw a slight increase which sets a new record high. Cycling miles also rose and are now 34% above what they were 25 years ago, but there has been a continued decline in the number of miles travelled by buses and coaches which is particularly worrying in an age when, as a society, we are trying to get people to use public transport more.

“Car traffic, while stable, is at an all-time high, as is use of the Strategic Road Network which now carries more than a third of all motorised traffic in England despite only accounting for 2.4% of all roads, highlighting just how valuable it is to Britain’s economy.

“This also serves to emphasise just how important the Government’s promised Road Investment Strategy and ring-fenced funding will be in providing extra capacity and more reliable journeys.

“And, it won’t come as a surprise to many who have experienced the western half of the M25 that this is the busiest stretch of road on our network. In peak hours, this often looks more like a car park than it does a motorway.”

Press office team

Press office team

For journalist enquiries only

Share

Latest stories

Website preview
RAC and RSTA call on Government to mandate preventative road maintenance training 
The RAC and the Road Surface Treatments Association (RSTA) have today written to the Government calling on it to introduce mandatory training for councils who carry out little or no maintenance to prevent potholes forming.
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
Fuel prices fall in August after two months of rises - but drivers continue to pay over the odds at the pumps
Average pump prices fell by less than a penny in August ending two months of rises, new analysis by RAC Fuel Watch has found.
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
Drivers divided on how to tackle pavement parking in England – but most want action
UK Government due to announce next steps on tackling problem pavement parking in England
media.rac.co.uk

Get updates in your mailbox

By clicking "Subscribe" I confirm I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy.

About RAC Media Centre

The RAC Media Centre provides journalists and news outlets with the latest motoring-related news, comment, data and research.

The RAC is an iconic UK brand, and provides complete peace of mind to 15 million UK private and business drivers - whatever their motoring needs. As well as its premium nationwide breakdown assistance service – with an expert branded patrol workforce attending more than two million breakdowns every year – and European breakdown assistance products, it offers a wide range of market-leading products across insurance, legal services, vehicle inspections and service, maintenance and repair. Included in this is the first-of-its-kind nationwide Mobile Mechanics service which brings the garage to homes and workplaces. 

At the forefront of new solutions for business fleets and consumers, the RAC’s breakdown service is electric-ready with mobile EV charging technology and be called on using myRAC – its all-in-one route planner, fuel finder and breakdown reporting app

Contact

press.office@rac.co.uk

media.rac.co.uk