Drivers absorb cost of fuel price surge linked to geopolitical tensions as traffic increases on England’s major roads

24 July 2026

• Freedom of Information data obtained by Co-op Insurance found that average weekly traffic on England's strategic road network increased in March and April after fuel prices surged amid geopolitical tensions, compared to the same period in 2025.
• This is despite government data showing petrol and diesel prices soaring by a fifth (20%) and a third (34%) respectively, during this period.
• Traffic levels and average speeds were also higher than in the preceding eight weeks, increasing by nearly 8% and 1.8%, respectively.
• This highlights that Brits continue to rely on their cars and are having to absorb the cost of fuel price rises.
• Co-op Insurance is encouraging motorists to ensure that they drive safely on the roads this summer.

New analysis shows that traffic and average speeds on England's strategic road network increased in March and April despite a surge in fuel prices, suggesting drivers are having to absorb rising costs.

The analysis, based on Freedom of Information data obtained by Co-op Insurance from National Highways, shows that motorists covered the equivalent of 15 million additional vehicle miles per week, on average, between weeks 10 and 17 in 2026, compared to the same period in 2025.

This represents an almost 1% year-on-year rise in average traffic volumes during this period to 1.73 billion vehicle miles per week. *

This comes despite government figures revealing average petrol prices rose by a fifth (20%) and average diesel prices increased by a third (34%) during this period. Petrol prices rose from around 132p to 158p per litre, while diesel increased from around 142p to more than 190p per litre during this period. **

Moreover, traffic levels were also nearly 8% higher in the eight weeks after the conflict began compared to the preceding eight weeks of 2026, with average weekly traffic volume rising from 1.61 billion vehicle miles to 1.73 billion. ***

Whilst there was a similar increase of 8.5% in traffic volume in March and April 2025, the similar rise in traffic levels is particularly notable given the contrasting fuel price environment.

In spring 2025, motorists benefited from petrol and diesel prices falling by just over 4%, whereas in 2026 they continued taking to the roads despite fuel prices rising sharply. This indicates that driving habits remained resilient even in the face of substantially higher motoring costs. ****

The findings suggest that, even with cost-of-living pressures, many people continue to rely on their cars for work and everyday journeys, which means they have to absorb significant increases in fuel costs.

Furthermore, average speeds on the strategic network also increased by nearly 1.8% from 56.6mph to 57.6 mph, during this period compared to the eight weeks prior, despite drivers being advised to reduce their speed to improve fuel efficiency. *

With data suggesting that traffic volume has increased, Co-op Insurance is encouraging motorists to ensure that they plan journeys carefully and drive safely on the road network, especially on busy routes.

Paul Evans, Head of Motor at Co-op Insurance said:

"We saw significant increases in fuel costs in March and April, with petrol and diesel prices rising by a fifth and a third, respectively, but perhaps surprisingly our findings show that the hike hasn't led to a fall in traffic volumes.

"In fact, our analysis reveals that average traffic volumes and speeds actually increased in the weeks following the surge in fuel prices amid geopolitical uncertainty, compared to the same period in 2025.

"This highlights how driving remains essential for so many households' day-to-day and cutting back isn't realistic, despite the increase in fuel costs.

"With the road network appearing to be even busier than earlier in the year, we are encouraging motorists to ensure that they plan their journeys carefully and drive safely this summer and beyond."

-ENDS-

Notes to the editor

Freedom of Information data obtained by Co-op Insurance from National Highways. Week 17 for 2026 is the latest available data.

*W/c 2nd March (Week 10 of 2026) to w/c 27th April (Week 17 of 2026). Analysis covers the period following the escalation of tensions involving Iran from 28 February 2026.

** Weekly Road Fuel Prices - see first document listed. Data based on prices from w/c 2/3/26-w/c 27/4/26

*** Week 1-17 2025 vehicle miles: 1,597,726,131 Week 1-17 2026 vehicle miles: 1,605,312,081

**** Overall decrease of 4.1% in fuel prices between wc 3/3/25-wc 28/4/25

*5 https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/fuel-prices-oil-iran-uk-drive-slower-b2950115.html

For more information please contact: [email protected]

About Co-op

Co-op Group is one of the world's largest consumer co-operatives, operating across food retail, funerals, insurance and legal services. Owned by around 7.2 million active member-owners, Co-op exists to meet their needs and champion the causes they care about.

With more than 2,300 food stores, 800 funeral homes and a wholesale business supplying around 8,000 additional outlets, Co-op employs 53,000 colleagues and generates annual revenues of over £11 billion. It is a recognised leader in ethical business and community-led programmes, creating long-term value for members and communities across the UK.