Credit crunch easing congestion, slowing drivers

Traffic congestion on Britain's motorways and major trunk roads reduced by 12% in the first six months of this year compared with the January to June 2007 period.

The average speed on motorways has slowed from 63.3mph for the year ending June 2007 to 62.2mph over the 12-month period ending June 2008 as drivers go more slowly to conserve fuel, a journey time index compiled by Trafficmaster and the RAC Foundation showed.

Georgina Read at Trafficmaster said: "Our traffic monitoring network shows the start of a change in driving patterns and behaviour over the past six to 12 months.

"Average motorway speeds have reduced as has congestion. This indicates a reduction in the volume of vehicles, especially HGVs, travelling on the roads.

"One obvious explanation for this is that rising fuel prices and general economic concerns are making people think carefully about how they drive. The upshot of less traffic is a drop in congestion levels, meaning motorists can get from A to B quicker while travelling at lower and more economical speeds. It really is a case where less haste can mean more speed."