Road traffic estimates 2010 (revised)

Publisher:Department for Transport
Published date: 9 February 2012
Type:Release
Statistics topic:Foreign registered vehicles, Major roads, Minor roads, Road traffic

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Summary

This statistical release presents revised road traffic estimates for Great Britain in 2010. These estimates have been revised from the estimates published on 30 June 2011 as part of a planned benchmarking exercise.

For further information on the minor road benchmarking exercise, please see the Traffic series page.

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Key points

  • In 2010, the overall motor vehicle traffic volume in Great Britain was 303.2 billion vehicle miles, down by 4.9 billion vehicle miles from 2009.
  • Car traffic was 239.8 billion vehicle miles in 2010, accounting for 79.1 per cent of all motor vehicle traffic. Car traffic has accounted for about 80 per cent of all motor vehicle traffic since 1980. In 2010, car traffic was 2.0 per cent lower than in 2009, but 2.6 per cent higher than 2000.
  • Light van traffic increased by 0.9 per cent between 2009 and 2010 to 41.0 billion vehicle miles. This was 26.5 per cent higher than 2000. Light van traffic showed the greatest increase in traffic volume in 2010.
  • In 2010, heavy goods vehicle traffic was 16.4 billion vehicle miles. This represents a 0.3 per cent increase from 2009; although heavy goods vehicle traffic levels remain 6.7 per cent lower than 2000.
  • In 2010, 20 per cent of traffic was on motorways, 28.7 per cent on rural ‘A’ roads, 16.3 per cent on urban ‘A’ roads, 14.0 per cent on rural minor roads and 20.9 per cent on urban minor roads.

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