Use of the Strategic Road Network

This paper brings together frequency of use data for the Strategic Road Network (SRN) for different users and vehicle types. It also includes information on the length of trips on the SRN, and the levels of traffic associated with these trips. As the SRN only covers roads in England much of the analysis is presented for England residents only.

The main results show:
• More than 95% of England’s residents used the SRN at least once per year, either as a driver or passenger. Nearly half (47%) of residents used the network at least twice per week.

• The frequency of use of the SRN varied by the respondents’ region of residence; 88% of those living in the north west used the network at least once per month, compared to 71% of London residents.

• HGVs are frequent users of the SRN; 71% of HGVs in the DfT in-vehicle GPS sample were ‘frequent’ users of the SRN, using the network at least twice per week, compared to 62% of LGVs – and just 43% of the cars in the sample.

• Of trips involving the SRN motorway, 60% covered more than 10 miles, while 20% of trips that included SRN ‘A’ roads travelled more than 10 miles.