The Department for Transport has released the latest official statistics on travel times across the Strategic Road Network (SRN) and local ‘A’ roads, covering January to December 2025. The data highlights a significant increase in congestion that could affect millions of UK drivers who rely on these routes daily. This rise in traffic is expected to exacerbate existing challenges such as fuel costs and car finance pressures, impacting the driving experience for motorists across Britain.
What Does This Mean for UK Drivers?
The report reveals that travel times on motorways and major ‘A’ roads managed by Highways England have seen a notable increase due to higher-than-expected traffic volumes. For instance, drivers using the M25 around London could see their journey time rise by an average of 10% during peak hours compared to pre-pandemic levels. This congestion not only delays commuters but also increases fuel consumption and wear on vehicles.
local ‘A’ roads managed by councils show similar trends, with some areas experiencing a 15% increase in travel times due to ongoing roadworks and increased traffic volumes. These statistics are crucial for UK drivers as they provide insights into the reliability of their daily commutes and highlight the need for alternative routes or methods of transportation during peak hours.
How Does This Affect Car Finance?
The rise in congestion can significantly impact car finance agreements, especially those that include mileage limits or fuel costs. With higher travel times leading to increased fuel consumption, drivers may find themselves exceeding their allotted mileages more frequently and facing additional expenses. According to the FCA motor finance review, approximately 12.1 million car finance agreements have been affected by mis-selling practices since April 6, 2007, with an average redress of £829 per agreement.
Drivers concerned about their car finance arrangements should consider checking if they were mis-sold their agreement using MLJ's finance checker tool. This service can help identify potential issues without the need for costly claims management companies. motorists are encouraged to discuss any concerns directly with their lender for free and seek guidance on adjusting their agreements to better suit current driving conditions.
What Are the Financial Implications?
The additional costs associated with increased travel times include higher fuel expenses due to more frequent refuelling and potential wear-and-tear charges from lenders who enforce strict mileage limits. According to our analysis, a driver commuting an extra 10 miles daily could spend up to £30 more per week on petrol or diesel depending on the vehicle's efficiency.
the financial strain can be compounded by the ongoing FCA motor finance review, which has identified significant issues in car financing practices across the UK. As of now, firms are expected to pay out an estimated £7.5 billion in redress for mis-sold agreements. However, it is important to note that while this scheme is confirmed and guidelines have been established, it may take several months before affected drivers can start receiving their redress payments.
What Should Drivers Do Now?
Given the current situation, UK motorists should adopt a proactive approach to manage the financial implications of increased travel times:
- Adjust Car Finance Agreements: Speak directly with your lender about adjusting mileage limits or other terms that may no longer be suitable due to higher traffic and fuel costs.
- Monitor Fuel Consumption: Keep track of your fuel usage and look for ways to reduce it, such as choosing off-peak travel times or exploring alternative routes.
- Check Your Car Finance Agreement: Use MLJ's finance checker tool to determine if you were mis-sold your agreement. This can help identify opportunities to claim back money from your lender without needing a claims management company.
By staying informed and taking proactive steps, UK drivers can better deal with the challenges posed by increased congestion and associated financial pressures. For more information on car finance and related issues, visit MLJ's guides or use our finance checker tool.
Sources:
- Department for Transport
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
- MLJ.org.uk