RAC warns of growth in traffic jams as number of cars rises

New research indicates there will be at least four million more cars on the roads over the next two decades as the population increases by more than 10 million.

This, combined with cuts in public spending on the road network, will result in delays increasing by more than 50 per cent, with traffic volumes are set to go up by 43 per cent by 2035. The biggest surge is expected to be in the East Midlands, with Yorkshire facing a 44 per cent increase, the fourth highest.

The report, with consultancy group Arup, said that average delays over the next 25 years will rise by 54 per cent, with motorists facing “jams today and even more jams tomorrow”.

The Yorkshire Post’s Fair Deal campaign has been calling for the Government to invest in the region’s desperately underfunded transport network and the report, which identifies 96 unfunded road schemes that are “currently sitting on the Department for Transport’s shelves,” highlights the £43m Leeds Inner Ring Road project.

The foundation said these schemes would deliver significant returns, offering benefits of more than £6 for every £1 invested with the Leeds scheme offering the second highest return of £10 for £1 invested.

RAC Foundation director Professor Stephen Glaister said: “Forget about Plan B, ministers do not even have a Plan A for dealing with the awful conditions forecast for the roads in the years ahead. It is a case of jams today, and even more jams tomorrow.

“The Department for Transport’s own figures show that by 2035 traffic is set to rise by almost 50 per cent and delays by more than 50 per cent – and these are only average figures.

“In some places, at some times of the day, the jams will be many times worse.

“The impact will be immense, not just on car drivers but also businesses trying to move their goods about.” The best value schemes also include the £8m A18-A180 link in Lincolnshire and the £153m A453 widening near the M1 at Nottingham.

Mr Glaister said: “There needs to be a fundamental look at how the strategic and main roads are planned, developed, funded, operated and maintained.

“In the meantime there are scores of relatively small-scale road improvement schemes which could be implemented as part of the growth agenda.

“We are not advocating a massive road building programme – we know we cannot build our way out of the nation’s forecast traffic problems, nor would we want to afford to.

“But what we do need from Government is a clear long-term strategy.”

Roads Minister Mike Penning said: “Transport investment was treated as a priority for Government in the spending review and we have committed £4bn on Highways Agency major projects, capital maintenance and enhancements.

“This substantial investment, alongside funding for the local road network, will drive economic growth and boost the UK economy.

“An independent review of the Highways Agency is also under way to examine options for improving the efficiency, effectiveness and performance of our strategic road network.”

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