Traffic levels on UK roads have reached their highest level since the coronavirus lockdown was introduced, new figures have revealed.

Government data shows the number of vehicles being driven on Monday was 56% lower than in early February, but up by 3% compared with the same day last week.

The increase was described as "slightly worrying" by Public Health England medical director Dr Yvonne Doyle, who said the country had not emerged from the worst stage of the coronavirus outbreak.

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"There has been an uptick in motor vehicles, and the message here really is that we are still passing through this peak, " she said.


"This use of motor vehicles is the highest working day use since March 23.

"We really have to be vigilant. 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, save lives. Go out for the necessities."

There has not been a similar rise in public transport use, with travel on trains and buses still flat - at more than 95% below the first week of February.

RAC Insurance spokesman Simon Williams said: "Analysis of hundreds of thousands of RAC Insurance black box trips confirms the number of vehicles on the UK's roads is rising.

"With the lockdown still very much in force, it remains the case that none of us should be driving unless it's for an essential trip.

"The fact we are now several weeks into the lockdown must not be used as an excuse to change our behaviour and venture out unnecessarily - our data seems to suggest some people may be finding more reasons to be on the road than earlier in April."