Britain’s roads have seen a dramatic 31% reduction in congestion since the credit crunch began two years ago, according to a report published by Trafficmaster and the AA.

It reveals that congestion levels have become inextricably linked to major financial events and the economic climate.

And, with the increase in unemployment and the report’s findings that nearly a quarter of those not working lost their jobs over the past 12 months, it claims rush hour is now becoming redundant, influencing the overall congestion figures.

But, while congestion has dramatically dropped across the road network in the normal working week, spiked rises in congestion have appeared on Fridays, and school and Bank holiday getaways.

With the cost of holidays in the UK cheaper than abroad, it reports up to a 50% increase in congestion at these times as additional leisure traffic hits the roads.

“The report brings both good news and bad news; congestion is falling, but that it is due to the recession, fuel prices and unemployment,” explained Edmund King, AA president.

“This only strengthens our need to keep investing in the road infrastructure, so that when the recession ends we have a network that can support a thriving economy.”

The findings from Congestion – Commuting, An Economic Barometer, written and researched by Trafficmaster, are based on traffic information it has collated over the past five years and commuting behaviour research from the AA and its AA/Populus panel of 75,000 drivers.