The RAC are warning of an impending surge in traffic jams during the next twenty five years, due to an increase of 40 per cent more cars on the road.
It has been indicated that the estimated population increase over the next twenty years will be ten million and this will be responsible for another 4 million cars using our roadways. By 2035 traffic volumes are set to increase by 43 per cent and projected cuts in public spending on our road networks will help create over a 50 per cent rise in traffic delays.
The East Midlands are predicted to face the biggest surge in traffic, with the fourth highest increase, 44 per cent, hitting Yorkshire. Consultancy group Arup have compiled the report, highlighting the £43 million project for the Leeds Inner Ring Road, which estimates the next twenty five years will see the average delay increase by 54 per cent. The report also identified ninety six unfunded road schemes which are gathering dust at the Department for Transport. These schemes could be beneficial to the tune of £6 for every £1 invested, rising to £10 in the Leeds region.
The ‘Fair Deal’ campaign, run by the Yorkshire Post, have called for investment from the Government to alleviate the strain on the regions severely underfunded transport network.
Although he admits it is not practical to build our way out of the impending traffic explosion, Professor Stephen Glaister, RAC foundation director, expressed the need for a look at the planning, developing, funding, operating and maintaining of main and strategic roads.