Traffic jams on major roads in the UK have increased over the last year, according to a survey of motorists.

Motorists complain of worsening traffic on UK’s major roads

The 2017 RAC Report on Motoring found 56% of the 1,727 drivers surveyed said they believe traffic has got worse on motorways, high-speed dual carriageways and A-roads – which carry two-thirds (65%) of all traffic despite accounting for only 13% of the UK’s road network by length.

Motorways – which alone carry 21% of all traffic although they only make up 1% of UK roads – are seen to have suffered the greatest increase with 61% of motorists saying congestion and journey times have worsened in the last 12 months. And, more than a quarter (27%) of this 61% claim the change has been considerable.

As a result, 8% of drivers cite traffic congestion and slower journey times as their number-one worry – rising to 11% of business drivers.

The figures are borne out by latest DfT road traffic estimates, which show that motor vehicle traffic reached an all-time high in the 12 months to June 17, including on motorways.