Local authorities are calling for central Government to grant them new powers and develop a comprehensive strategy to tackle the UK’s congestion problems.

 

A new report by the Local Government Association (LGA), released over the weekend, highlights that the average driver spends almost five days stuck in traffic every year, costing the UK economy an estimated £31Bn annually. What is more the Department for Transport has forecast a 55% increase in traffic by 2040 and an up to 85% rise in congestion levels.

 

“Congestion can have a significant impact on our towns, cities and communities, and act as a drag on local growth,” said LGA transport spokesperson Judith Blake. “Worse still, it can lead to toxic air and reduced quality of life.” Councils, she added, are working hard to combat traffic and congestion, but it is clear that they need to be able to do more in order to effectively tackle the growing problem.

 

“Councils use existing measures to the best of their ability and how local circumstances dictate,” added the LGA’s environment, economy, housing and transport board chairman Martin Tett in a foreword to the report. “However we cannot solve the problem with just punitive measures. We need positive, practical and attractive alternatives to car journeys with public transport, walking and cycling playing an important role.”

 

The LGA is also urging the Government to outline a comprehensive congestion strategy to tackle the issue while bus travel needs to be actively encouraged, with more powers for councils over the Bus Service Operators’ Grant. According to the association this fuel duty rebate, currently paid directly to bus operators, would allow councils to protect vital bus routes and give them the funding they need.

 

The report, titled ‘A country in a jam’, also highlights the approaches of various local authorities in attempting to limit congestion including the workplace parking levy in Nottingham and a ‘Mobility as a Service’ trial in the West Midlands.

 

A Department for Transport spokesman said: “We are spending record amounts over the course of this Parliament to relieve congestion and provide important upgrades to ensure our roads are fit for the future. Millions of drivers will benefit from junction and roundabout improvements and better traffic signals. This will provide quick relief to motorists across the country and cut congestion on our roads.”

 

(Photo: Anne Burgess and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence)