Motorway speeds fall to 57mph as RAC says 'frustrating'

The latest data from the Department for Transport found that average road delays last roughly 11 seconds per vehicle per mile

The average speed you've been travelling on motorways has fallen in the past year, new research shows. Motorists across the UK are experiencing record hold-ups on key A-roads and motorways as traffic congestion climbs to all-time highs.

Fresh statistics released by the Department for Transport indicate that average vehicular delays now hover around 11 seconds per vehicle per mile, a significant spike from the 8.6 seconds recorded in 2016.

Consequently, certain motorways have observed average speeds plummet to a meagre 56.5mph, well below the standard 70mph speed limit, descending from the 58.8mph noted some years prior. Amid concerns about this downturn in velocity, the RAC has voiced unease noting figures linger modestly beneath those seen pre-Covid pandemic.

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Commenting on the congestion, Simon Williams, RACs head of policy, remarked: "This latest data appears to show that right across England, average speeds on major roads are down and delays are up, both year on year and compared to before Covid."

"While an increase in traffic volumes is no doubt a factor in delays increasing, it can't be the only cause so we suspect other factors are likely to be contributing, whether that is roadworks or just traffic snarling up at known pinch points."

"Whatever the cause, delays can be frustrating and costly so we look forward to further details from the Government about where it is focusing its road spending for the duration of this Parliament."

Further exacerbating the situation, recent findings also highlight that London drivers endure approximately four days stuck in traffic annually, marking an apex in commuter despair.

A report from Inrix has revealed that drivers spent an average of 99 hours stuck in traffic in 2023, a three per cent increase from pre-pandemic levels and up from 97 hours in 2022.

London has been named the most congested city in Europe for the third consecutive year due to high traffic levels.

Bob Pishue, transportation analyst and author of the report at Inrix, commented: "We are seeing travel return to pre-Covid levels. The UK and Europe have seen smaller increases in congestion this year than in other parts of the world which indicates that these countries have found their new travel norms."

He further explained that while London remains the "most impacted" by congestion in the UK, its drop to third worldwide suggests that other large global cities have returned to pre-Covid levels of activity.

A spokesperson for National Highways told GB News: "We know delays are frustrating but a number of factors contribute to slower-moving traffic. The make-up of vehicles on the road is changing with more HGVs and larger vehicles together with fewer cars. This brings average speeds down."

The spokesperson also stated that roadworks are only implemented "where it is absolutely necessary", adding: "Our programme of improvements will result in long term benefits for motorists shorter and more reliable journeys as well as safer and smoother roads. This work will help boost the economy."

The DfT data also revealed that road level figures were the most affected of all the breakdowns shown, with overall decreases in delays and increases in speed.

Delays decreased the most on rural links and increased most around urban areas. The changes at road link levels resulted in a two per cent increase in speed and a 4.7 per cent decrease in delay for 2023.