Traffic falls for first time in 30 years…

Road traffic has dropped significantly for the first time in three decades, according to this report in The Times Online. 

Britain’s 34 million vehicles journeyed 3.1 billion fewer miles in 2008, ending the rising trend.

While the drop has led to a reduction in road deaths and accidents, cyclists didn’t fare so well – in fact cyclists were the only category of road user where fatalities and serious injuries had increased.

The Times Online reported on speculation that the increase had been fuelled by a growth in inexperienced riders turning to cycling due to the increased costs of running a car.

Falling car sales and increased costs are thought to have led the average motorist to drive 90 miles less than in 2007.