The UK government must act now to combat congestion and avoid piling extra costs on firms struggling to emerge from the recession, a leading trade body has claimed.
According to the Freight Transport Association (FTA), the gradual increase in traffic volumes on UK roads in recent months is a welcome early sign of economic recovery.
However, while this will come as a relief to the logistics industry at the end of a difficult year, the organisation warned that steps should be taken now to avoid future problems.
Malcolm Bingham, head of road traffic management policy at the FTA, said a return to pre-recession traffic levels will only serve to clog up the UK's essential trade routes.
He claimed the problem costs UK businesses some £20 billion a year, emitting thousands of tonnes of carbon dioxide.
"There are cost-effective and highly plausible ways that congestion can be mitigated without investing more in our transport infrastructure," he commented.
Mr Bingham cited possible measures such as reducing rates on the M6 toll, which would relieve pressure on the M6, as viable options.
According to Trafficmaster's latest congestion report, the number of vehicles on UK roads has increased by 11 per cent since the end of September compared with the same period last year.
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