National statistics
Road traffic estimates in Great Britain: 2013
Road traffic estimates in Great Britain during 2013.
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Details
Since the 1950s, the long term trend in the volume of road traffic has been one of growth, peaking at 314.1 billion vehicle miles in 2007. Following this peak, motor vehicle traffic then fell for three consecutive years; the first consecutive annual falls since traffic records began. In contrast, between 2010 and 2013 traffic volumes were broadly stable.
Main results
In 2013:
- overall motor vehicle traffic in Great Britain was 303.7 billion vehicle miles, a slight increase (0.4%) on 2012.
- LGV traffic reached a new peak of 42.6 billion vehicle miles, a 3.2% increase on 2012 levels.
- vehicle miles travelled by cars and taxis were broadly similar when comparing 2013 to 2012. HGVs, and buses and coaches also showed increases (0.9% and 2.9%, respectively).
- traffic on motorways increased by 1.5% in the last year, to 63.3 billion vehicle miles travelled, the highest ever level. ‘A’ road traffic has remained stable at 135.8 billion vehicle miles.
- the Strategic Road Network (SRN: motorways and ‘A’ roads managed by the Highways Agency) made up 2.4% of the road network in England, but carried 32.9% of all motor vehicle traffic and 65.6% of all HGV traffic. Traffic on the SRN has increased by 0.8% in the last year.
- traffic on rural minor roads (‘B’, ‘C’ and Unclassified roads) has increased by 2.7%, when compared with last year. However, traffic on urban minor roads decreased by 1.5%.
Technical information
Information on road traffic, speeds and congestion, including pre-release access
Contact us
Road traffic and vehicle speed compliance statistics
Email roadtraff.stats@dft.gov.uk
Media enquiries 0300 7777 878
Published 5 June 2014