The share of urban roads in the UK's total road network is forecasted to slightly increase from 37.01% in 2024 to 37.24% in 2028. This gradual rise reflects a modest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the five-year forecast period. As of 2023, the proportion was slightly under 37%, indicating an ongoing trend towards an expanding urban road network relative to total roads.
Future trends to watch include:
- Increasing urbanization may further elevate the share of urban roads, driven by population growth in cities.
- Government infrastructure investments could influence the rate of urban road expansion.
- Technological advancement in transportation might shift focus from expanding road networks to optimized traffic management.