Congestion claim
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is slammed by BRF
• The British Roads Federation has dismissed government claims that traffic congestion is improving.
The Highways Agency says a survey it conducted shows the number of drivers who are experiencing traffic jams has dipped. It claims the percentage of driver's who felt their most recent journey was free from congestion rose from 46% in 1997 to 56% in 1999. But the BRF has attacked these claims.
Director Richard Diment explains: "It is certainly not consistent with other official statistics which show that congestion is rising. The government's figures show motorway traffic is up by 3% on the last year, and congestion is going to rise. We have taken the issue [of the survey] up with the Highways Agency and have asked for clarification.'
Diment adds: "The other point is that people are getting so used to congestion that their expectations are low."