Campaign groups have called on the government to “get a grip” after traffic on Britain’s roads reached its highest ever level.

Some 316.1 billion miles of vehicle traffic was recorded in the 12 months to September – up by 2.2 per cent on the previous year – according to new figures released by the Department for Transport (DfT).

This is 0.6 per cent higher than the pre-recession peak recorded in September 2007.

Gary Rae, campaigns director for road safety charity Brake, commented: “The figures are heading the wrong way and we’re heading for gridlock. The government needs to get a grip and outline what it intends to do.”

The increase in traffic contributed to a continuing fall in vehicle speeds during the morning peak.

The average speed on A roads in England between 7am-10am was 23.6mph in the year to September, down by 0.5 per cent on the 12 months to June. The month of August was excluded from the measurement.

The DfT believes the increase in mileage is likely to reflect growth in the UK economy, with GDP rising by 2.6 per cent over the same period.

Fuel prices also became more favourable for motorists, with premium unleaded falling by 14.8 pence per litre and diesel by 17.1 per cent.

Van traffic increased faster than any other vehicle type, up by six per cent to a new peak of 46.9 billion miles.

Motorway traffic also reached a record high of 65.4 billion miles after a two per cent increase.

RAC head of external affairs Pete Williams said: “The lower cost of fuel is clearly keeping the country moving with increased vehicle miles going above the pre-recession high.

“The rise in van traffic and the record level of motorway usage are also significant as they are both very good indicators that business Britain is productive.

“The RAC has long argued that the price of fuel is inextricably linked to the economy so this is further proof of that and something the Government should take heed of.

“What we need now is a firm commitment from the Chancellor in the Autumn Statement that he will not raise fuel duty from the already-excessive 58p a litre and add to the motoring tax burden.”

Jason Torrance, policy director at charity Sustrans, warned that the figures highlight the importance of the Government providing its Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy with sufficient funding.

He said: “With the UK population expected to rise by almost 10 million in 25 years we simply cannot keep building roads on this small island with the relentless hope that it will meet people’s travel needs and dig everyone out of gridlock.

“The smart money is on investing in walking and cycling for local journeys, yet funding for these means is heading for a cliff edge in April.

“Continuity of funding for sustainable transport from April is essential to stop a meltdown in local authority jobs, experience and projects that support cycling and walking and, crucially, will pave the way for a successful Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy.”