Traffic congestion is set to increase dramatically by 2040, a report by the Department for Transport has stated.
Among the predictions of the report are that the number of cars on UK roads will increase from 28 million to 38 million by 2040. The report comes soon after the government pledged to undertake a £28 billion investment program in Britain’s roads.
52 different projects will tackle some of the country’s worst congestion hot spots.
But even once these projects are completed, the DfT report warns that the road infrastructure will struggle to cope with the demand put upon it.
It is thought that steady delays will rise by 114 per cent by 2040. During peak times, it is thought that 15 per cent of traffic will be stuck in a traffic jam.
The predictions are based on the assumption that the population will grow by 20 per cent, and takes into account rising living standards and economic prosperity.
It’s not all bad news, however, as the cost of motoring is expected to fall by 24 per cent, largely due to more fuel efficient cars. This, however, will boost car numbers further.
There are many variables noted in the study, but even a best case scenario will see congestion rising significantly, according to the report.
The worst case DfT prediction states that by 2040 30 per cent of vehicles in peak times will be in a traffic jam.
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