Traffic on Britain’s roads has increased by 1.4 percent between April and June 2014 compared with the same period the previous year, according to the Department for Transport (DfT).

Figures released by DfT reveal that volumes of cars, Light Goods Vehicles and Heavy Goods Vehicles on all roads, including motorways, has increased to 77.1 billion vehicle miles.

The number of people who have died on British roads has also risen. Provisional estimates for the number of road deaths to the year ending March 2014 shows an increase of 4% on the same period the previous year.

Cyclists killed and seriously injured on British roads between January and March 2014 show a 27% increase compared with the same quarter the previous year.

Thompsons Solicitors' serious injuries solicitor and chair of Road Peace North East, David Robinson, said: “Rising traffic levels are a huge concern for all British road users particularly given that serious injuries and deaths are also increasing.

“There is an answer here but it requires political will and investment. The government needs to improve UK road infrastructure, lower maximum speeds and improve the safety of our roads for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists alike.

“From our work with serious injury victims, we are all too aware of the devastating and long-term impacts that a road traffic collision may have on an individual and their family. It is vital that the government takes positive action to help to reduce the number of people being killed or seriously injured on our roads.”