Summer holidays in the United Kingdom bring joy, relaxation, and adventure to millions of people across the country, however with projected significant increase in traffic on the roads, can our UK network take the strain or will it crack under the pressure?
Back in 2019 the UK travel network experienced approximately 320 billion* vehicle miles during the summer months (June, July, and August), when families embarked on holidays, day trips, and visits to friends and relatives. Whilst we can’t predict the exact volume of traffic for 2023, we are projecting a significant year on year increase due to pent up demand, economy driving UK holidays and the return of major events. In the United Kingdom, the road network spans thousands of miles, connecting cities, towns, and rural areas. However, the state of the UK road network is a subject of concern due to wear and tear, increasing traffic volume, heavier and more EV vehicles as well as the need for regular maintenance. With long term planning, reinforcement and maintenance this can positively impact the longevity of road surfaces, improve the environmental impact and significantly reduce long term budget expenditure.How you can prolong the life of the UK roads;
ASPHALT REINFORCEMENT Integrating a Reinforcement beneath the road surface is essential for preventing cracks and ensuring long-lasting road structures. By using GlasGrid® THE ONLY Asphalt reinforcement in the market and not to be mistaken as only a SAMI layer, you can reduce reflective cracking and increase the life of an asphalt road up to 4 times longer without using an interlayer, resulting in delayed interventions on reactive maintenance, cash savings and improved efficiency. SURFACE DRESSING Surface dressing is a road maintenance technique that involves applying a layer of bitumen binder followed by a layer of stone chips on top of an existing road surface. Applied at the right time this can extend the life of the carriageway in excess of 10-15 years. ASPHALT PRESERVATION Preserve, protect and extend the life of our roads with asphalt preservation services saving time, money and damage to the environment The sealer is applied with minimal traffic disruption and can even be applied at night. Whilst UK roads may face increased strain during the summer holidays, the ongoing infrastructure developments and proactive planning can help alleviate congestion and ensure a smoother travel experience for all. With a combination of road enhancements, responsible driving, and efficient traffic management, the UK can strive to meet the demands of summer traffic and maintain the enjoyment of holidays for all travellers. Find out more about Asphalt Group *Department of Road travel, Road Traffic Estimates: Great Britain 2019