Highest number of vehicles recorded on roads since start of coronavirus lockdown

Traffic on the M4 motorway during the lockdown (Picture: PA)

The number of vehicles on roads during the coronavirus pandemic has hit its highest level since the lockdown began.

Professor Yvonne Doyle, medical director at Public Health England, said there had been an “uptick” in the use of motor vehicles on Wednesday.

Speaking at the Downing Street Covid-19 press briefing, she urged people to stay at home and insisted: "We are still passing through this peak."

Prof Doyle said: “As we’ve seen up to now, there has been very dramatic falls in most modes (of transport) but there has been an uptick in motor vehicles.

“The message here really is we are still passing through this peak."

Medical Director at Public Health England Professor Yvonne Doyle (PA)

She added: “This use of motor vehicles is the highest working day use since March 23 and we really have to be vigilant that most people are making huge efforts to stay at home and save lives.

“This is slightly worrying so please do stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.

“Go out for the necessities and the transport data will reflect that.”

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