Travel and Transport

Transport in Great Britain

Total traffic has increased by 82% between 1980 and 2005, from 277 to 504 billion vehicle kilometres.
The majority of the growth has been in car traffic, which has risen by 85% since 1980, from 215 to 397 billion vehicle kilometres.
In 2005, 61% of cars on the road had only one occupant. The proportion for commuting and business trips was 85% and 84% respectively.
Carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from transport sources increased by 11% between 1990 and 2005.

Source: Department for Transport, Transport Trends 2006

The volume of traffic in the West of England area has increased by 21% over the last 10 years.
21% of journeys to work are under 2km (potential walking distance) of which 45% are made by car.
22% of journeys to work are between 2km and 5km (potential cycling distance) of which 68% are made by car.
Motorways and trunk roads account for 55% of CO₂ emissions and traffic on urban roads account for about 30%.

Source: Joint Local Transport Plan, 2006/07 – 2010/11

Lost time due to congestion is costing at least £350m a year to the local economy.
In Bristol, 21% of travelling time is spent stationary.
Over 100,000 people live in Air Quality Management Areas.
70% of Nitrogen Dioxide (NOx) emissions are due to road traffic.

Source: Joint Local Transport Plan, 2006/07 – 2010/11