Traffic levels in England have risen dramatically over the past decade, according to figures uncovered by the Liberal Democrats.

The 12% average rise across the country masks greater rises in many areas it says.

The largest increase has been in Northamptonshire, where traffic levels have risen by a fifth, with other dramatic increases in North Yorkshire, Gloucestershire, Durham and Northumberland.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Shadow Transport Secretary, Norman Baker said: "Here in black and white is proof of Labour’s ten years of failed transport policies.

"They say they are serious about tackling climate change, but everywhere except London traffic levels keep on rising.

"Perhaps this is no surprise when the cost of motoring is going down under this Government and the cost of public transport is going up."

However, while agreeing that traffic levels are rising, a DfT spokesman said: "As the economy grows more people are travelling, and travelling further.

"The Government is committed to tackling congestion and is making record investments in transport.

"This year we will spend around £900m on improvements to major roads, including improvements to the M1 and M25.

"However, we know we cannot simply build our way out of congestion.

"We are also working to get more from our existing roads through measures like active traffic management and local road pricing schemes as well as investing heavily in better public transport- spending £2.5billion this year on buses, and £88million a week on trains."