The Department for Transport has released its latest accredited statistics on travel time measures for the Strategic Road Network (SRN) and local ‘A’ roads in England, providing critical insights into traffic congestion levels across major routes from July 2025 to June 2026. This data highlights significant challenges faced by UK motorists, with implications for daily commuting times and economic productivity.
What Does This Mean for UK Drivers?
The report reveals that the Strategic Road Network (SRN) in England experienced an increase of 15% in average travel time delays compared to the previous year, affecting millions of drivers who rely on these routes daily. locally managed ‘A’ roads saw a rise in congestion by 20%, impacting urban and rural areas alike. These statistics underscore the ongoing issue of traffic congestion and its direct impact on the commuting experience for UK motorists.
How Does This Affect Car Finance Agreements?
The FCA motor finance review has already affected over 12 million car finance agreements, leading to an average redress payment of £829 per agreement. Given that many drivers are also facing increased travel times and potential fuel price hikes, the financial burden is compounded. For those who have been mis-sold PCP or HP car finance products, you should understand their rights without incurring additional costs.
Motorists should be aware that they do not need a claims management company to file complaints about mis-sold car finance agreements. Instead, they can complain directly to their lender for free, streamlining the process and avoiding unnecessary fees. This is particularly relevant as many drivers are already dealing with higher fuel prices and longer commute times.
What Are the Key Takeaways for Motorists?
The data from the Department for Transport highlights a growing trend in traffic congestion that affects not only daily commuters but also those relying on local roads for essential travel. National Highways, responsible for managing motorways and major ‘A’ roads, has reported an increase in delays due to higher than expected vehicle usage during peak hours. Local authorities managing minor ‘A’ roads are also witnessing similar trends, with urban sprawl contributing significantly to traffic congestion.
According to the report, 60% of the recorded delays on SRN routes were attributed to high demand and roadworks, while local ‘A’ roads saw an additional impact from poor weather conditions, further exacerbating travel times. This full analysis provides a clear picture of the current state of the UK's road network and its implications for drivers' daily lives.
What Should Drivers Do Now?
While the data paints a challenging picture for UK motorists in terms of commuting and road usage, it’s important to take proactive steps to mitigate these effects. MLJ recommends utilising tools like our fuel finder to keep track of petrol and diesel prices, helping to manage costs effectively. the FCA guidelines on car finance mis-selling provide valuable information for those seeking redress.
drivers should consider alternative routes or travel times outside peak hours if possible. Engaging with local authorities and National Highways can also help in understanding planned improvements and roadworks schedules to better plan journeys. Remember, complaining directly to your lender regarding any potential mis-selling issues is often the most straightforward and cost-effective way to seek resolution.
By staying informed and utilising available resources, UK motorists can deal with these challenges more effectively, reducing frustration and saving both time and money.