The Department for Transport (DfT) has published a raft of new figures highlighting changes in traffic levels, congestion and the reliability of journeys on the UK’s roads for the last quarter.

Government statistics have shown the number of motor vehicles on the country’s roads in the three months of July to September 2013 rose by 2.3 per cent in comparison to the same quarter of 2012, with 77 billion vehicle miles (vm) covered.

All vehicle types showed a rise in usage, with car traffic up 1.9 per cent to 60.8 billion vm, heavy goods traffic increasing 2.7 per cent to four billion vm and light goods vehicle traffic growing 5.1 per cent to a peak of 10.8 billion vm in the quarter.

Across the country, all road types saw an increase in usage, with minor roads witnessing a 3.3 per cent rise in traffic volumes, motorways up 3.2 per cent and A roads up 1.2 per cent.

Meanwhile, journey reliability – the proportion of road users reaching their desired destination ‘on time’, without being caught in delays – stood at 77.4 per cent for the rolling 12 months to end of September 2013.

This represents a 0.3 per cent increase from the year ending June 2013, but is considerably down on the peak of 81.5 per cent of on time journeys that was set in the 12 months to March 2012. However, this high was then followed by 12 consecutive months of downturn.

Analysis from the Department for Transport states improved driving conditions and growing traffic levels on major routes may account for this recent stabilisation.

Finally, the Department for Transport figures showed levels of congestion on England’s A roads may have increased slightly in the year ending June 2013, with average speeds during weekday morning peak hours falling 0.2 per cent from the previous year’s data to 24.9 mph.

Fleet managers across the UK should take heed of the findings, as they provide a key insight into the changing environment of the UK’s transport network.

Looking for help to promote your company fleet’s green credential and intentions?

Steph Bennett can help promote your company’s green credentials with our partnership with Cool Earth, a leading environmental charity.

The Diesel Direct fuel card and our other fuel card offerings, in conjunction with CO2Count and Cool Earth can help your company’s green fleet policy.