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Is Traffic Getting Worse in the UK?

1 September 2026 | Author Avatar Graeme Stoker

If everyday traffic seems to get worse on your daily commute, you aren’t imagining things. The total vehicle distance travelled reached a record high of 342.55 billion vehicle miles in 2025, officially surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 1.2%.

To see how driving habits have evolved over the last decade and since the pandemic, we’ve analysed the latest Department for Transport road traffic statistics. Whether you’re heading out on a daily commute, sharing the wheel on a weekend road trip, or borrowing a friend’s car with temporary car insurance, understanding these road trends will help you dodge the worst gridlock and plan a smoother drive.

Has Traffic Got Worse in Recent Years?

Yes, traffic across Great Britain is higher than ever before. Total vehicle movement reached 342.55 billion vehicle miles in 2025, up 1.2% from the 2019 pre-pandemic peak of 338.60 billion miles and 4.5% from a decade ago (327.93 billion miles in 2016).

When the COVID-19 lockdowns hit in 2020, vehicle movement plunged by 21.5% to 265.89 billion miles. While many predicted that remote working would permanently clear our roads, overall driving demand has fully recovered over the last six years.

But why is traffic getting worse despite hybrid working? A major factor is sheer fleet size, i.e. how many cars are on the road in the UK today. There are now over 33 million registered cars alongside millions of commercial delivery vans and lorries. This massive baseline keeps overall driving volume high, even when traditional office schedules change.

Ranked: Best and Worst Days of the Week for UK Traffic

If your midweek motorway journey feels packed while Mondays seem lighter, you’re seeing flexible working habits play out in real time. We’ve looked at Official Department for Transport data1, which uses a daily index in which 100 represents the average daily baseline across Great Britain.

Ranked: The Worst Days to Drive (Busiest)

  1. Friday (Index 110.3): Friday is the busiest day of the week overall. It mixes commercial freight networks, business travel, school runs, and early weekend getaways.
  2. Thursday (Index 106.7): Thursday takes second place as workers wrap up midweek office schedules and logistics deliveries peak before the weekend.
  3. Tuesday & Wednesday (Index 104.5): Midweek travel stays consistently above average as hybrid workers head into workplaces on matching schedules.

Ranked: The Best Days to Drive (Quietest)

  1. Sunday (Index 81.2): Sunday is the quietest day to drive by a wide margin across all road types.
  2. Saturday (Index 91.4): While local shopping trips keep high streets active, total Saturday traffic volume remains well below any weekday.
  3. Monday (Index 101.4): Monday is the quietest weekday on the road. Widespread work-from-home policies at the start of the week have significantly softened Monday traffic.

Is traffic worse at weekends compared to weekdays? The data gives a clear answer: no. Even with Saturday errands and Sunday leisure drives, total weekend traffic volume remains notably lighter than on any single weekday.

Ranked: Best and Worst Times of Day to Travel

So, what time is traffic the worst, and when is traffic quietest? Knowing when congestion spikes can save you hours stuck in crawling queues. Our analysis of the latest Department for Transport data2 shows that evening rush hours carry heavier vehicle volumes and span a wider time window than morning rush hours.

Across the week, the busiest single hour on British roads is 16:00 to 17:00 (averaging an index of 207.4), closely followed by 17:00 to 18:00 (index 201.2).

Ranked: The Worst 5 Hour Slots of the Week

Traffic hits its absolute weekly peak between 4 pm and 5 pm. If you find yourself having to drive home from the office on a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday, you’d be wise to avoid these peak times between 4 pm and 6 pm.

  1. Thursday 16:00 – 17:00 (Index 209.8)
  2. Tuesday 16:00 – 17:00 (Index 209.8)
  3. Friday 16:00 – 17:00 (Index 209.6)
  4. Wednesday 16:00 – 17:00 (Index 208.2)
  5. Friday 15:00 – 16:00 (Index 208.1)

Ranked: The Best Times to Commute

It’s not all doom and gloom, though – we’ve also found some of the quietest times on the road for commuters:

  1. Early Morning 06:00 – 07:00 (Index 92.2): Setting off before 7 am cuts traffic volume by more than half compared to peak morning rush hour, which sits at 187.8 between 8 am and 9 am.
  2. Late Morning 09:00 – 10:00 (Index 149.0): Delaying departure until after 9 am reduces weekday congestion by over 20% compared to the hour prior.
  3. Late Evening After 18:00 (Index 154.2): Leaving work after 6 pm offers a much smoother run; traffic continues to drop to 109.0 after 7 pm.

If you commute regularly, checking out our guide on practical commuting tips can help you navigate changing traffic patterns and cut journey stress.

Why Day-Specific Traffic Patterns Have Shifted

Hybrid working has reshaped the traditional UK commute. Here’s why specific days feel so different on the road compared to pre-pandemic times.

Morning Rush Hour: Why Is Traffic Worse on Tuesday?

Tuesday has become the anchor day for returning to the office. Data shows3 that Tuesday mornings between 08:00 and 09:00 sees the highest morning rush hour spike of the week, with an index of 195.9.

While Monday morning rush hour traffic dropped by 8.1% compared to 2019 levels (falling to an index of 181.9), Tuesday morning rush hour fell by just 2.1%. If your Tuesday commute feels sluggish, it’s because almost everyone is commuting on the same day.

Evening Rush Hour: Why Is Traffic Worse on Fridays?

While Tuesday dominates the morning commute, Friday takes the crown for afternoon congestion. But why is traffic worse on Fridays? On Friday afternoons, evening rush hour starts an hour earlier than usual as many drivers finish work early, school runs wrap up, and weekend getaways begin.

Between 15:00 and 17:00 on Fridays, traffic indices stay above 208.0, making Friday afternoon the most congested regular travel block in Great Britain.

The Rise of Midday Travel

Another post-pandemic trend is the growth of midday travel. Between 12:00 and 13:00 on weekdays, traffic volume has grown by 2-3% compared to 2019.

With more people working flexibly from home, short errands, local deliveries, and quick personal trips are spread throughout the day rather than squeezed into traditional commute windows.

Ranked: Best and Worst Regions for Traffic Density and Volume

Traffic density and road usage vary significantly across Great Britain. Measuring regional conditions involves looking at both Average Annual Daily Flow (AADF)4, which tracks the average number of vehicles passing a specific road point each day, and total annual vehicle miles driven5.

Below is the complete dataset we’ve analysed across all 11 regions of the UK:

Region2025 Daily Flow (AADF)2025 Volume (Million Miles)Net Shift vs 201910-Year Growth (2016-2025)
Greater London5,800 vehicles/day19,649.5-3.0%-2.2%
South East4,900 vehicles/day37,658.5-0.7%+0.4%
North West4,500 vehicles/day54,511.1+2.9%+6.8%
West Midlands4,400 vehicles/day33,228.3+1.9%+4.2%
East of England4,300 vehicles/day39,141.1+3.1%+7.0%
East Midlands4,200 vehicles/day30,450.5+3.3%+8.0%
Yorkshire & Humber4,000 vehicles/day28,722.9-0.8%+2.5%
North East3,600 vehicles/day13,412.7+5.6%+14.0%
South West3,100 vehicles/day35,791.2-0.7%+4.2%
Wales2,500 vehicles/day19,184.7+0.5%+3.3%
Scotland2,300 vehicles/day30,800.5+2.5%+6.5%

Ranked: Regions by Traffic Density (Worst to Best)

  1. Greater London (5,800 vehicles/day per mile): The most densely packed road network in Great Britain.
  2. South East (4,900 vehicles/day per mile): Heavy commuter flows surrounding ring roads and London links.
  3. North West (4,500 vehicles/day per mile): Dense urban motorway networks such as the M60 ring road and M56 carry some of the heaviest daily traffic in Britain.
  4. West Midlands (4,400 vehicles/day per mile): Central logistics hubs and major motorway junctions create frequent bottlenecks.
  5. East of England (4,300 vehicles/day per mile): Significant 10-year traffic growth (+7.0%) driven by expanding residential and distribution corridors.
  6. East Midlands (4,200 vehicles/day per mile): Up +8.0% over ten years due to national logistics hubs along the M1 corridor.
  7. Yorkshire & Humber (4,000 vehicles/day per mile): Moderate urban density across key trans-Pennine routes.
  8. North East (3,600 vehicles/day per mile): Maintains relatively light daily flow despite leading national post-pandemic growth (+5.6% since 2019 and +14.0% over ten years).
  9. South West (3,100 vehicles/day per mile): Generally light baseline density, though seasonal holiday travel creates summer spikes.
  10. Wales (2,500 vehicles/day per mile): Clearer roads outside major southern urban corridors.
  11. Scotland (2,300 vehicles/day per mile): Features the lowest overall daily vehicle density in Great Britain.

Ranked: Regions by Total Annual Vehicle Movement (Highest to Lowest)

  1. South East (54,511.1 Million Vehicle Miles): Handles the largest total volume of traffic in Great Britain annually.
  2. East of England (39,141.1 MVM): High volume driven by agricultural, commuter, and freight corridors.
  3. North West (37,658.5 MVM): Ranks third nationwide for total driving distance, carrying massive regional freight and commuter movements.
  4. South West (35,791.2 MVM): High total miles spread across a geographically widespread road network.
  5. West Midlands (33,228.3 MVM): Substantial freight and commuter volume centred around the Birmingham network.
  6. Scotland (30,800.5 MVM): Lower density across long rural routes keeps overall miles high.
  7. East Midlands (30,450.5 MVM): Heavy freight movement along major north-south highways.
  8. Yorkshire & Humber (28,722.9 MVM): Substantial intercity travel across major urban centres.
  9. Greater London (19,649.5 MVM): Compact geographic area keeps overall vehicle miles lower despite dense traffic queues.
  10. Wales (19,184.7 MVM): Moderate overall vehicle movement.
  11. North East (13,412.7 MVM): Lowest total regional vehicle movement in Great Britain.

Which City in the UK Is the Worst for Traffic?

When looking at urban areas, Greater London consistently ranks as the most congested region by vehicle density. However, drivers in London have actually seen total vehicle miles fall by 3.0% compared to 2019 levels, and 2.2% over the last ten years.

Low-emission zones, expanded congestion charges, public transport investments, and high remote-work adoption have kept London’s overall vehicle miles below its historic peak. Urban motoring costs play a role too; learn more in our guide on the cost of owning a car in the city.

The Best and Worst Roads in The UK

Different road types handle vastly different levels of traffic density across the country; we’ve looked at the data6 to see how different roads fare.

Motorways vs ‘A’ Roads vs Minor Local Roads

  • Major ‘A’ Roads: Carry the highest overall volume at 151.6 billion vehicle miles, averaging 14,000 vehicles per day per mile.
  • Motorways: Account for 71.9 billion vehicle miles, but handle the highest vehicle density by far, averaging 84,600 vehicles per day per mile. Motorway traffic is up +6.2% over the last decade.
  • Minor Local Roads: Account for 119.0 billion vehicle miles, maintaining lower density (1,500 vehicles per day) and proving resilient during pandemic restrictions due to local neighbourhood trips.
A close up of a man looking out of his window while driving a car

Ranked: The 5 Worst Motorway Bottlenecks in the UK

The data shows7 that these are the busiest single motorway stretches based on daily vehicle counts:

  1. M25 Western Links A1(M) to M23: 165,000 vehicles per day
  2. M60 Manchester Ring Road: 135,000 vehicles per day, up by 5.4% compared to 2019 figures.
  3. M25 Eastern Links A1(M) to M23: 132,000 vehicles per day
  4. M6 South of M62 Junction: 127,000 vehicles per day
  5. M1 South of M6 Junction: 120,000 vehicles per day

Ranked: The 5 Best (Quietest) Motorway Corridors

For smooth, open motorway driving, these stretches carry the lowest daily vehicle flows:

  1. A74(M) Scotland: 38,000 vehicles per day
  2. M9 Scotland: 42,000 vehicles per day
  3. M77 Scotland: 60,000 vehicles per day
  4. M74 Scotland: 61,000 vehicles per day
  5. M20: 65,000 vehicles per day

The Fastest-Growing Motorways Over the Last 10 Years

Where is motorway traffic expanding fastest? Over the last decade (2016 to 2025), key trade and commuter corridors have seen massive double-digit growth:

  1. M73 & M74 Scotland (+22.0% growth): Expanded rapidly due to industrial logistics around Glasgow and central belt transport links.
  2. A74(M) Scotland (+15% growth): Heavy cross-border commercial freight movement pushed daily counts higher.
  3. M11 (+12.8% growth): Strategic growth along the Stansted Airport corridor and commuter belt.
  4. M6 South of M62 (+11.4% growth): Logistics expansion in the North West kept freight volumes climbing.
  5. M5 (+11.24% growth): Long stretch of motorway that carries commuters, freight and holidaymakers has seen increasing traffic.

Which Motorways Have Seen Traffic Get Worse Vs 2019?

We know traffic has worsened across the UK compared to pre-pandemic levels, but which motorway sections have seen the biggest increase in traffic flow?

  1. M73 Scotland +20%
  2. M11 +11.39%
  3. M6 South of M62 +9.48%
  4. M77 Scotland +7.14%
  5. M5 +6.45%

Seasonal Traffic Shifts: Summer vs Winter

Traffic patterns shift noticeably with the seasons, but the worst driving months depend on whether you mean high vehicle volume or weather-related delays. We’ve looked at five-year averages from DfT8 to see which are the best and worst months for traffic:

A group of people in a holiday home. Two men are moving luggage out of the car boot.

Best to Worst Months for Traffic (Quietest to Busiest)

  1. January – Index Value 86
  2. February – 93
  3. December – 94.2
  4. March – 97.7
  5. April – 100.3
  6. November – 101.8
  7. October – 103.2
  8. May – 103.6
  9. August – 103.9
  10. July – 104.9
  11. September – 105.1
  12. June – 106.1

Is Traffic Worse in Summer?

In terms of pure vehicle volume, yes. Overall road traffic peaks during summer months:

  • June (Index 106.1): The busiest month of the year across all motor vehicles.
  • July (Index 104.9) & August (Index 103.9): High leisure travel, summer holidays, and school runs keep volumes elevated.

Though you might see regular commuter windows feel quieter, the sheer volume of vehicles on the roads across the summer months sits higher than the usual monthly averages.

Good weather brings out more drivers and leads to more leisure journeys. If you’re planning a summer getaway, check out our tips on flying vs driving to Europe.

A group of people having fun and laughing while sitting on a picnic bench

Why Does Traffic Feel Worse in Winter and When It Rains?

While overall driving volume drops in winter (January is the quietest month of the year with an index of 86.0), journeys often feel far more frustrating. You might be surprised to learn that December is the third-quietest month if you’ve ever done last-minute Christmas shopping or tried to drive home for Xmas. So what causes traffic delays when the weather turns bad, if it’s not the number of cars on the road? Several practical factors combine to slow things down:

  • Increased Stopping Distances: Surface spray, dark mornings, and heavy rain force drivers to drop speed and increase gap sizes, cutting overall road capacity.
  • Shift from Walking and Public Transport: Cold weather and rain prompt commuters who usually walk, cycle, or catch a bus to switch to driving instead.
  • Pre-Christmas Deliveries: Commercial van and lorry traffic hits its annual peak in November as delivery networks manage holiday stock.
  • Concentrated Traffic: December might be a quiet month according to the stats, but that’s likely because traffic is concentrated in the first half of the month, whilst travel drops over the Christmas period.

Seasonal Vehicle Class Insights: Vans, HGVs, and Motorbikes

Traffic flow doesn’t just change by the month; the volume of certain vehicles on the road also changes with the seasons. Looking at the data9 reveals how different road users operate across the year:

  • Light Goods Vehicles (Vans): Van traffic peaks in September (index 105.2) and June (index 105.0), driven by autumn trade, construction, and e-commerce deliveries. If you’re stepping into temporary delivery or courier work, our flexible temporary van insurance, courier car insurance, and hire and reward insurance ensure you’re covered without paying for a full annual policy. Read our guide on the best way to get insured for delivery work for more advice.
  • Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs): Lorries peak in November (index 105.1) as distribution centres prepare for holiday shopping, before dropping to a low in December (index 86.2) once seasonal stock is delivered.
  • Motorcycles: Motorbikes display the most dramatic seasonal swing of any vehicle type, surging by +154.5% from a winter low in January (index 56.1) to a summer peak in June (index 142.8).

What Are the Main Causes of Traffic Congestion?

Why is there so much traffic across Great Britain? We know that the number of vehicles on the road has grown, but a single issue rarely causes traffic jams; they result from overlapping demand and infrastructure factors:

  1. Growth in Commercial Delivery Vans: The rapid rise of online shopping has put millions more light commercial vehicles on the road, keeping residential streets and local roads busy throughout the day.
  2. Key Bottlenecks: Heavy reliance on key ring roads, like the M25 western section or the M60 ring road, means a single breakdown or lane closure can cause miles of tailbacks.
  3. Driver Behaviour: Tailgating, late merging, and sudden braking cause phantom traffic jams, where traffic grinds to a halt without an obvious obstruction.
  4. Roadworks and Speed Restrictions: Essential repairs, smart motorway upgrades, and temporary speed limits slow down overall traffic flow.

How to Beat the Gridlock and Enjoy the Drive

While national traffic levels are high, a little planning can help you steer clear of the worst bottlenecks and keep your journeys stress-free.

Smart Strategies for Everyday Driving

  • Adjust Your Commute Window: Setting off 30 to 45 minutes earlier in the morning (before 07:00) cuts travel times significantly. In the evening, delaying departure until after 18:00 avoids the worst 16:00 to 17:00 rush.
  • Pick Better Office Days: If your workplace offers flexible working, pick Mondays or Wednesdays for office days, or work from home on Friday afternoons.
  • Share the Driving on Long Journeys: Heading off on a long road trip or driving to a festival? Sharing the driving keeps you alert and makes heavy traffic far less tiring.

Flexible Driving Solutions with GoShorty

Whether you’re borrowing a friend’s car to dodge a tricky commute, sharing the driving on a holiday road trip, or getting behind the wheel of a commercial van for temporary delivery shifts, flexible short-term insurance keeps you moving without hassle.

With us, arranging standalone short-term cover is quick and simple. We offer flexible options to keep you protected however you’re getting on the road – from temporary car insurance, learner insurance and short-term van cover to taxi insurance and motorhome insurance for weekend getaways. You can manage your policy on the go with the GoShorty app.

Traffic levels may be high, but with smart timing and flexible cover, you can stay one step ahead of the crowd. Get covered in minutes and hit the road with confidence.

  1. TRA036 Data Set from the Department for Transport: 2025 data for all road types, all motor vehicles ↩︎
  2. TRA037 Data Set from the Department for Transport: 2025 data, averages for Mon-Fri ↩︎
  3. TRA0307 Data Set from the Department for Transport ↩︎
  4. TRA907 Data Set from the Department for Transport ↩︎
  5. TRA8901 Data Set from the Department for Transport ↩︎
  6. TRA0103 Data Set from the Department for Transport ↩︎
  7. TRA0303 Data Set from the Department for Transport ↩︎
  8. TRA0305 Data Set from the Department for Transport: 2021 to 2025 5-year average for all road types and all motor vehicles. ↩︎
  9. TRA0305 Data Set from the Department for Transport: 2021 to 2025 5-year average for all road types by vehicle class. ↩︎

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