Traffic levels are on the rise for the first time since the lockdown began as Britain inches back to work.

New analysis suggests that the number of cars on the road is up by around 10 per cent this week compared with earlier in April, in a growing sign that the economy is restarting as more shops, building sites and factories reopen.

The figures from the AA show more car journeys than at any point over the last month, while the motoring group has also recorded a spike in breakdowns.

It came as Taylor Wimpey became the first big house builder to announce its return to business, with construction sites opening from May 4. The luxury carmaker Aston Martin will also restart its St Athan