That’s according to a new report by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, which says these changes would contribute to improvements in safety, public health as well as boosting economic growth.

In particular, the report recommends that the Government should immediately reframe its local and national transport policies to encourage people to use new technologies as alternatives to journeys and also to stimulate travel at off-peak times.

Philippa Oldham, head of transport and manufacturing at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and lead author of the report, said: “The Department for Transport’s policies on the UK transport network make no reference at all to influencing demand for journeys, which is the most sustainable form of transport planning. With the advent of smartphones and videoconferencing, much more should be done by Government, the public and private sector to avoid unnecessary travel and, in particular, avoid travelling during the morning and evening peaks.

“A transport network that is over-burdened at peak hours and relatively quiet for much of the rest of the day is an inherently inefficient system.

“Government must show leadership and introduce policies that reduce demand on the transport network by encouraging car sharing, local commercial network collaboration by companies and more flexible working hours.”