Road traffic levels have surged across Great Britain to pre-pandemic levels and beyond, new RAC data shows, raising fresh concerns over congestion, air quality and the Government's net-zero commitments.
The analysis, tracking vehicle movements on motorways and A-roads nationwide, reveals traffic has not only recovered from lockdown lows but is now exceeding 2019 levels in many areas. The surge means longer journey times for millions of commuters, higher fuel bills and increased wear on vehicles.
Urban areas face the sharpest impact, with local councils already struggling to meet air quality targets now confronting worsening congestion. The figures will pile pressure on ministers to accelerate transport infrastructure investment whilst balancing road expansion against promoting public transport alternatives.
Opposition parties are poised to challenge the Government's transport planning, with Labour likely to renew calls for integrated public transport solutions to reduce car dependency. The party has consistently argued current infrastructure cannot cope with growing demand.
For drivers, the immediate reality means more frequent delays and mounting costs. But the broader concern centres on carbon emissions as the UK races towards its net-zero targets. The Department for Transport now faces mounting pressure to demonstrate how its policies will tackle both capacity constraints and the environmental impact of Britain's car-dependent transport system.