The UK’s motorway network has been ranked at the bottom of the EU–27 based on the number of cars per motorway mile.

The findings are contained in the annual compilation of road statistics by the Road Users’ Alliance (RUA).

Director Tim Green pointed out that, like its European neighbours, the UK’s economy depends on its road network.

“Motorways carry 92% of our passenger traffic and 88% of our freight and despite vastly superior rail infrastructure similar figures still prevail in Europe, where only 7% of passengers travel by rail,” he said.

“Yet with relatively low car ownership and the worst congestion in Europe, we continue to pursue the notion that congestion charging and public transport can resolve our transport problems.”

Britain’s motorway network

  • More cars per motorway mile than any EU nation.
  • 23rd by ratio of motorway length to GDP, behind Lithuania and Poland.
  • 19th by people per motorway mile, just ahead of Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary.
  • 14th by density, just ahead of the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Lithuania.