Gridlocked Britain: Traffic figures up again - Thurso

Figures released today by the Department for Transport reveal that traffic on British roads is still rising, with a 1.4% increase in overall traffic levels between 2002 and 2003.

The figures also reveal a staggering increase of 6% in traffic on minor rural roads in the fourth quarter of 2003, compared with the same period in 2002, as motorists shun the gridlock of major roads.

Commenting on the figures, John Thurso MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Transport Secretary, said:

"Britain is becoming a gridlocked nation.

"If the Government doesn't get a grip on traffic growth, we will face a rat-run rural Britain.

"Motorists need a reason to stop moving away from the congestion of major roads and onto minor rural roads that just aren't built for heavy traffic.

"It's time the Government made a real commitment to cutting congestion and kept to it."