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Recession reduces road jams by nearly a third
publication date: Sep 7, 2009
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author/source: Robin Roberts
The recession has cut traffic and eased congestion by a third, according to surveys carried out by Trafficmaster and the AA. Britain’s road network is wearing the scars of the economic climate on its sleeve, according to a new report published today by Trafficmaster and the AA. Indeed the report shows that since the subsequent economic decline when the credit crunch began two years ago, there has been a dramatic 31pc reduction in road congestion across all major motorways and trunk roads. It also shows that congestion levels have become inextricably linked to major financial events and the economic climate, such as rising fuel prices and the collapse of Northern Rock. Gloomily, with the increase in unemployment and the report’s findings that nearly a quarter those not working have lost their jobs over the last 12 months, rush hour is now also becoming redundant, influencing the overall congestion figures but drivers said they would be prepared to considerably extend their daily commute if it meant keeping a job, and this could impact on future transport trends. Whilst congestion has dramatically dropped across the road network in the normal working week, the credit crunch has also delivered another phenomenon. Spiked rises in congestion have appeared on Fridays, school and Bank holiday getaways. With the cost of holidays in the UK cheaper than abroad, we have seen up to a 50pc increase in congestion at these times as additional leisure traffic hits the roads. What’s more weekend breaks seem to be more popular as people are cutting back on the length of time they spend away – Friday is the only day of the week that is bucking the trend of a decrease in congestion levels. Georgina Read at Trafficmaster, said, “We’ve been collecting and analysing congestion data for the past 20 years, with all previous years up to 2007 showing the congestion problem growing. However, post credit crunch, the trend has been well and truly broken and we’ve now witnessed two consecutive years of dramatically falling congestion levels.” Edmund King, AA president, concluded, “The report brings both good news and bad news; congestion is falling, but that it is due to the recession, fuel prices and unemployment. The motor vehicle is an integral part of British culture and our lifestyle that we have come to rely on - whether that is getting to work, taking the kids to school or delivering our goods. “So when times are hard it is with reluctance that we look at ways of cutting down on car journeys and using alternative modes of transport. This only strengthens our need to keep investing in the road infrastructure, so that when the recession ends we have a network that can support a thriving economy.” The findings come from Congestion – Commuting, An Economic Barometer, a new report written and researched by Trafficmaster, the leading expert in road traffic information, and the AA. |
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