Warning over Britain becoming gridlocked

The move follows the publication of a new report by the Department for Transport which shows people are using more cars, vans and lorries than ever before.

A spokesman for Brake, the national road safety charity, said the figures ‘give cause for alarm’.

The statistics reveal that van traffic continued to rise faster than any other vehicle type, increasing by six per cent to a new peak of 46.9 billion vehicle miles.

The report also showed motor traffic has increased for the tenth quarter in succession with a two per cent increase in vehicle traffic.

It suggests this rise is partly due to the growth in the economy as well as lower fuel prices. It found that traffic on motorways and rural roads is also higher than it has ever been.

Gary Rae, campaigns director for Brake, said: “These rises are not sustainable. We’re in our 20th year and in that time, we’ve seen an increase of 19 per cent in all traffic.

“In a report published earlier this year, the Department for Transport forecasts is for traffic growth of 19 per cent to 55 per cent between 2010 and 2040.

“Back in 2011, the RAC Foundation reported that the number of cars was set to increase by 43 per cent by 2035 and traffic delays by 50 per cent.”

“The figures are heading the wrong way and we’re heading for gridlock.

“The government needs to get a grip and outline what it intends to do.”

He added: “During Road Safety Week (23-29 November), we’ll be revealing the impact on our health and the environment of these ever rising figures.”