TRAFFIC levels in Barnsley hit an all-time high last year, the latest figures have revealed.
Statistics from the Department for Transport show drivers in Barnsley covered 1.31 billion miles on council-maintained roads in 2024.
This was more than the 1.26 billion recorded a year earlier.
It was also more than the 1.3 billion in 2019, the last year before the Covid lockdown caused a dramatic fall in traffic across the country, and the busiest year since 1993, when current records began.
Coun James Higginbottom, cabinet spokesperson for environment and highways, told the Chronicle: “Barnsley has seen significant regeneration and growth in recent years, making our borough an attractive place to live, work and visit.
“The redevelopment of the town centre, Principal Towns, The Glass Works, and a vibrant programme of events such as Barnsley’s Big Weekend, Bright Nights and Barnsley Live have boosted visitor numbers and contributed to increased vehicle movements.
“Rail travel has also rebounded strongly, with 2.3 million passenger journeys in 2023/24, close to pre-pandemic levels.
“While this growth reflects Barnsley’s success, we recognise the need to manage its impact on the highway network, including increasing levels of congestion.
“We are continuing to invest in walking and cycling routes, improving public transport links, expanding EV charging, and using smart traffic signals to reduce congestion and emissions.
“Our goal is a cleaner, greener, and more connected Barnsley.”
There were 293 billion miles covered on local authority-maintained roads across Great Britain in 2024 down from the 299 billion a year earlier, and down on the 313 billion recorded in 2019.
RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis said: “RAC data shows that 81 per cent of drivers would struggle to adjust to life without their vehicle because for many, it’s the most time and cost-effective option.
“This is especially true for those in rural areas where public transport provision is limited or non-existent.
“The more cars there are on the roads, the greater the impact on air quality, road conditions and traffic.
“While the current government is very focused on improving public transport across the board, we expect the car will remain essential to many people’s lives for years to come.”
The data shows the areas with the most traffic were all in the south east of England.
Essex saw 9.7 billion miles driven, followed by Hampshire, Kent, Surrey and Hertfordshire.
The five areas with the least traffic included four remote islands, and the City of London.
Tanya Braun, director of external affairs and fundraising at Living Streets, which campaigns to make streets safer for pedestrians, said the Covid pandemic changed how people travel around neighbourhoods.
“During the Covid-19 lockdowns, we all appreciated the benefits of going for a walk,” she said.
“We want to see tangible measures in the strategy that will make walking and wheeling safer for all, such as slower speeds and a ban on pavement parking.”
