High fuel price cuts congestion

Date: 26 August 2008

High fuel price equals less congestion

Traffic jams have fallen 12% in the first half of 2008 thanks to high fuel prices, according to an independent survey of trunk roads and motorways.

Data from Trafficmaster's speed monitoring cameras has revealed that the first six months of this year not only saw a 12% drop in congestion over the first half of last year, but average traffic speeds have also fallen. Traffic was flowing at an average of 62.2mph between January and July, down 1.1mph on 2007 figures.

Despite the lower average speed, the lack of jams means journey times have also fallen, down 0.3% on last year. However, journey times are still up 2.6% since 2005.

"Overall the route with the most dramatic decrease in congestion is the M25 Northern sector between junctions 21 and 31, with a 26% reduction in traffic jams over 12 month period from June 2007 to June 2008 compared to same period the year before," said a Trafficmaster spokesman.

Commenting on the figures Sheila Rainger, head of campaigns at the RAC Foundation, added: "The fall in congestion is good news in an otherwise bleak picture for UK motorists and shows motorists are moving journeys out of peak hours where possible. However, this altered pattern of demand can only be a breathing space for policymakers, and does not remove the case for investment in a package of congestion-busting measures, including action to tackle bottlenecks, and properly planned additional capacity on the UK's strategic network. Until these long-term improvements are in place, motorists can achieve a more reliable journey by planning ahead and making small adjustments to avoid the jams."

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