Rising Delays on England’s Roads: What Are the Challenges Behind Slower Speeds?

Traffic delays across England’s road network are continuing to rise, with average hold-ups now reaching 11.6 seconds per vehicle per mile when compared to free-flowing conditions.

This marks a 5.5% increase since June 2024, according to the latest statistics from the Department for Transport (DfT).

So What Are the Challenges Behind Growing Congestion?

One possible factor in the increasing delays is how certain types of motorways are being used. For example, some lanes—especially those previously designated as hard shoulders—are often underused. Some motorists appear hesitant to use the left-most lane, which may be due to uncertainty about breakdown risks or safety concerns. This behavior can reduce the overall efficiency of these roads and contribute to congestion.

“Many drivers won’t be shocked to learn that their journey times have lengthened over the past year, especially on motorways,” said Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at The AA. He noted that traffic flow doesn't always improve as expected and that some routes appear to be experiencing more bottlenecks.

The AA has also raised the issue of delayed reports into all-lane running schemes—referred to as Post Opening Project Evaluations (POPE). These assessments, once released, could provide valuable insights into how traffic performance has been affected and where improvements can be made.

Such data could prove useful for the wider transport industry in understanding what’s working, identifying safety patterns, and helping shape future investment decisions around motorway design and traffic management.

Regional Differences in Speed and Flow

Data from the DfT shows that average speeds on England’s Strategic Road Network have dropped in several areas. For instance, roads in and around London have seen a decline of nearly 4 mph over the last year—and nearly 5 mph compared to pre-COVID figures. A 10% drop in speed since the pandemic underscores the longer-term trend.

Other regions are showing similar patterns:

• West Midlands: Average speeds down 7.8% (nearly 4 mph) since COVID

• West Yorkshire: Down 6.0%

• Greater Manchester: A 1.3 mph drop in the past year

• South Yorkshire: Showing one of the steepest drops at 2.4 mph

  
  

However, there are also signs of improvement in certain areas:

• Tees Valley: Speeds have risen by 0.9 mph between 2023 and 2024

• North of Tyne: Up by 0.7 mph

• Northumberland and Newcastle area: A modest 1.3% improvement

  
  

Annual Average Speeds on Strategic Roads (2023–2024)

Combined Authority	2023 (mph)	2024 (mph)	Change (mph)
Greater Manchester	54.0	52.7	-1.3
Liverpool City Region	56.5	55.8	-0.7
North East	55.4	54.2	-1.2
North of Tyne	55.5	56.2	+0.7
South Yorkshire	58.3	55.9	-2.4
Tees Valley	56.9	57.8	+0.9
West Yorkshire	56.9	56.0	-0.9
West Midlands	47.3	45.8	-1.5
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough	58.9	58.5	-0.4
West of England	55.9	55.6	-0.3

What Can Drivers Do to Help Improve Traffic Flow?

While larger infrastructure and policy changes play a big role, individual driver behavior can also make a difference in easing congestion. Here are a few practical steps:

• Maintain Safe Following Distances: Keeping at least two seconds behind the car in front helps prevent sudden braking and the stop-start chain reactions that slow traffic.

• Avoid Frequent Lane Changes: Staying in your lane when safe helps keep traffic steady and prevents ripple effects from lane-switching.

• Don’t Hog the Middle Lane: This not only disrupts traffic flow but is also considered poor driving behavior—and it's illegal.

• Follow Overhead Signs and Instructions: Obeying variable speed limits and lane closures on gantries is crucial, especially where lanes can change their function.

• Consider Car Sharing: Reducing the number of vehicles on the road can ease pressure on busy routes, leading to smoother journeys for all.