Article: Road traffic up 84% in the U.K.

[MetroMPG]

I don't know North American stats, but I'd have to guess they'd be similar, if not worse.

“Road traffic in Great Britain has grown by 84% since 1980“

That is a LOT of traffic, nearly double in under 30 years. It does add credence to the commonly held view

“Weren’t the roads much quieter when we were kids?”

Absolutely, and there is the proof - half as much traffic when we were young and the population increase doesn’t justify that increase in road traffic. The dramatic increase in traffic is due to the fact that motoring costs have remained fairly stable during the last 30 years and disposable income has increased. Also more women are driving than ever before.

read more: Road Traffic up 84%

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On top of it all, denser traffic means less lattitude for hypermiling techniques.

[Peakster]

I wonder: how much has traffic risen on a per capita basis?

[SVOboy]

I wonder what the hell people are doing? What about all that online shopping crap?

[MetroMPG]

It's all the delivery vans!

[Peakster]

Maybe people got more fuel efficient cars, so now they're on the road more? (I only drove 10,000 kms a year in my Cordoba [2002] and 20,000 kms a year in my T-Bird [2006], but I did over 50,000 kms in a year with the Geo [2007]).

[SVOboy]

I was actually thinking internet shopping my significantly reduce the amount of trips people make. *shrug*

[roflwaffle]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

On top of it all, denser traffic means less lattitude for hypermiling techniques.

Really? Rush hour IMO can be an efficient driver's dream. Average speeds of ~15-35mph, and with a manual the driver can keep distance fairly easily w/o having to brake/gas/brake/gas/brake/etc...

[MetroMPG]

Maybe I don't drive in the same heavy traffic you do - or as well as you do. But I never do as well when I get to Ottawa (the closest city with "real" urban traffic) as I can do in lighter traffic around here, less, um, interrupted by other drivers.

[MetroMPG]

Originally Posted by Peakster

Maybe people got more fuel efficient cars, so now they're on the road more? (I only drove 10,000 kms a year in my Cordoba [2002] and 20,000 kms a year in my T-Bird [2006], but I did over 50,000 kms in a year with the Geo [2007]).

You're an interesting guy, Peakster. You're the guy I read about in studies that show vehicle choice is linked to fuel prices (getting the Geo instead of the Jeep).

And also the guy I read about in studies that suggest overall fuel use staying constant because people drive their more efficient cars more.

(But I'm going to be lazy this morning and not find any links to those studies.)

[roflwaffle]

I wonder if I would consider Ottawa traffic light... Ever been to southern California?