Solutions
Reducing the speed limit
Studies have suggested that reducing the speed limit to 50mph would reduce the bunching of traffic and thus congestion. It would have the added advantage of reducing fuel use, as cars are far more efficient at this speed. The number of deaths from car crashes might also be reduced.
Road User Charging
As we have seen in London, road user charging seems to reduce the number of people choosing to drive.
Better public transport
We need cheap and efficient public transport - so people have a genuine choice about how to travel.
Moving freight onto the railways
Financial incentives to encourage freight off roads and onto the rail network exist and are working. These schemes need to be expanded. Buying local products reduces the need to transport goods.
Increasing the cost of driving
In real terms the cost of driving has hardly changed in the last 20 year, while the cost of public transport has gone up three-fold. Driving has costs that are borne by the whole of society ie air pollution, climate change, disability from accidents. These costs in fairness should be included in the cost of motoring. Those who drive are more likely to be well-off than those who don't.
Looking at the need to travel
It would be better for our communities if people worked where they lived and shopped locally. Instead people travel longer distances to work than ever before, making the working day and week longer.