The number of vehicles on England’s roads has risen by 2.5 million in the last five years, while road space has only increased by 0.6%, council leaders have warned.

Figures show the number of vehicles on the road has increased by 7.7% on the last five years, while road length in England has only increased by 0.6% in the same time period.

The Local Government Association (LGA) warned that this disparity not only increases congestion and air pollution, but also affects local economies.

It is calling for a radical new strategy and new powers for councils to better manage congestion.

‘England’s roads are currently gripped by a growing congestion crisis,’ said Cllr Martin Tett, LGA transport spokesman.

‘It would already take more than £9bn and over 14 years for councils to clear the current local road repairs backlog. Reinvesting 2 pence per litre of existing fuel duty into local road maintenance would generate £1bn a year for councils to start tackling the backlog and improve our local roads.’