How the credit crunch has eased congestion on Britain's roads

Figures released yesterday showed there was 12 per cent less traffic on motorways and trunk routes in the first six months of this year compared with January to June in 2007.

A journey time index compiled by Trafficmaster and the RAC Foundation also revealed that motorists are slowing down to conserve fuel.

Congestion on Britain's major motorways has eased by 12 per cent as more drivers leave the car at home to conserve fuel

The average speed on motorways dropped from 63.3mph during June 2006-2007 to 62.2mph during June 2007-2008.

The route that showed the most dramatic decrease in congestion is the northern section of the M25.

Data indicated there was a 26 per cent reduction in traffic jams between junctions 21 and 31 of London's orbital road during the period of June 2007-2008, compared with June 2006-2007.

Georgina Read at Trafficmaster said the organisation's traffic monitoring network had shown the start of a change in driving patterns and behaviour over the past six to 12 months.

She added: 'Average motorway speeds have reduced as has congestion. This indicates a reduction in the volume of vehicles, especially HGVs, travelling on the roads.

'One obvious explanation for this is that rising fuel prices and general economic concerns are making people think carefully about how they drive. The upshot of less traffic is a drop in congestion levels, meaning motorists can get from A to B quicker while travelling at lower and more economical speeds.

'It really is a case where less haste can mean more speed.'

Sheila Rainger, head of campaigns at the RAC Foundation, said: 'The fall in congestion is good news in an otherwise bleak picture for UK motorists and shows that motorists are moving journeys out of peak hours where possible. However, this altered pattern of demand can only be a breathing space for policymakers.

'It 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.'

It was also found that motorists had reduced their journey times by 0.3 per cent in the 12 months to June 2008.

But journey times have increased by 2.6 per cent since 2005. Rising fuel prices and the ongoing credit crunch have helped create a 12 per cent reduction in traffic on Britain's major motorways and roads, figures show.