Congestion in Cumbria is costing drivers valuable time

It comes as drivers across the country encountered longer delays than ever on the strategic road network, which includes local and major A-roads and motorways, with the RAC blaming ‘too many roadworks’ on the issue.

DfT figures showed drivers travelling on local A-roads in Cumbria were delayed by 26 seconds per mile on average compared to the pace they would have made if driving at the speed limit in free-flowing conditions – this was in line with 2022 figures.

In 2019, pre-Covid, the average delay was 28 seconds per mile.

The latest data from the DfT regarding National Highways’ Strategic Road Network showed the slowest roads in Cumbria.

The A69 saw big delays in Cumbria at one minute and 24 seconds per mile.

Other areas included the A595 northbound between B5295 near Homewood and B5295 near Corcickle, which saw an average of 39.9 seconds per mile.

On the same road, southbound, between B5295 near Homewood and A5086, average delays rose to 46.8 seconds per mile.

The A66 eastbound between M6 and A6 saw an average delay of 1.5 minutes per mile.

Nationally, drivers were held up by 48 seconds per mile on local 'A' roads – the highest figure since 2019.

The figures cover only 'A' roads, which account for around 10 per cent of England's highway network but carry around a third of all traffic.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: "It’s very concerning to see delays on our most important roads increasing to above pre-pandemic levels and average speeds are dropping.

"With more people than ever working from home at least part of the week and no growth in the number of cars on the road since then, we’re struggling to see what the cause can be other than roadworks."

He added: "Given today’s disappointing findings, it’s more important than ever that National Highways, which is responsible for the strategic road network, is given sufficient funds in the next five-year road investment settlement to tackle these issues head-on."

The data also shows the average speed drivers travelled along local 'A' roads, with the national average falling to 23 mph last year, the lowest figure since before the pandemic.

In Cumbria, motorists averaged 30.8 mph – up marginally from 30.1 in 2019.

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "This Government backs drivers, which is why we’re getting on with our plan to invest over £24billion into our roads to reduce congestion, improve road safety and grow the economy.

"As well as investing more into new and improved roads, we have a plan for drivers to slam the brakes on anti-driver measures and help keep our country moving."