The AA and Trafficmaster have published figures suggesting that congestion has declined by a massive 31% since the beginning of the credit crunch. The report details that this marked reduction in directly linked to the increase in unemployment during the economic crisis. Indeed, according to the report, nearly a quarter of those not working lost their jobs over the past 12 months. So marked is the difference in traffic levels, that the report suggests that rush hour is becoming a thing of the past.
However, whilst Monday to Thursday may be easier on the van driver's journey, the report does note marked increases in traffic levels on Fridays, bank holidays and during school holidays. In fact the report notes that congestion can increase by as much as 50% due to additional leisure traffic caused by "stay-cations" (holidaying in the UK) being cheaper than going abroad.
Edmund King, AA President, said “The report brings both good news and bad news; congestion is falling, but that it is due to the recession, fuel prices and unemployment."
Source: Fleet News, 7 September 2009
