A new report suggests that the UK is the third most traffic-congested country in Europe, with drivers spending an average of 32 hours in traffic during peak hours each year.
Published on 20 February, the INRIX Global Traffic Scorecard analyses and ranks the impact of traffic congestion in 1,064 cities across 38 countries worldwide – the largest ever study of its kind.
It finds the UK to be Europe’s third most traffic-congested country, behind Russia and Turkey – and fourth in the developed world.
The report also suggests that direct and indirect costs of hold-ups reached nearly £31bn last year – an average of £968 per driver.
In terms of cities, London is the UK’s most congested, costing drivers in the capital more than twice the national average at £1,911 per person in 2016 – and more than £6bn as a whole.
Manchester comes second, followed by Aberdeen, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Guildford, Luton, Bournemouth, Hull and Bristol.
However, Aberdeen eclipses London for congestion at peak periods, with drivers stuck in gridlock 24% of the time, moving at an average speed of 5.5mph.
On 9 February, the DfT published provisional estimates showing that motor vehicle traffic in Great Britain was at a record high in 2016, with the biggest increase seen in mileage covered by vans.
Photo: Highways England via Flickr used under Creative Commons.
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Its interesting to note that in conclusion they say
“To tackle this problem, we must consider bold options such as remote working, wider use of road user charging and investment in big data to create more effective and intelligent transportation systems.”
Somewhat refreshing not to find the reaction “build more roads”.
Rod King, Warrington, Cheshire, 20’s Plenty for Us
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What a useless set of ‘statistics’ ? Lacking in context so totally meaningless.
Clive Batchelor, Surrey
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An interesting point Philippa. Wikipedia suggests both Turkey and Russia are part in Europe and part in Asia – they are ‘Eurasian’.
Nick Rawlings, editor, Road Safety News
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Someone needs to study their atlas. Last time I checked both Turkey and Russia were in Europe. May not be in the EU but then that’s not Europe.
Keith
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Since when were Russia and Turkey in Europe?
Philippa Robb, congested London
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Footnote: have just come back from Liverpool and it took 30 minutes to drive one mile from the Kingsway Tunnel exit to the Liver Building, due to the congestion. As I say, it depends where you are.
Hugh Jones,Cheshire
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Perhaps a more accurate headline would be that the UK had more congested cities, rather than suggesting the whole country is congested. Most of it clearly isn’t – it depends where you are!
Hugh Jones, Cheshire
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In Hertfordshire… one man and his dog is considered congestion.
Bob Craven Lancs
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In rural Herefordshire two tractors ahead of me at the junction is considered to be congestion.
James, Weston B, Herefordshire
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As with most people I don’t like the delays congestion causes me on my journey. But it is relative, so perhaps spare a thought for the commuters on places like State Route 91 in California which currently has 10 lanes (5 each way) and still has massive rush hour congestion. Sections of the 91 are being upgraded to 8 lanes in each direction but locals don’t expect that to improve things much…just attract even more commuter traffic.
Pat, Wales
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This in no way should surprise anyone. I suppose that this is one of the prices that we have to pay by being a rich country, well richer than many others in Europe and in the World. Also one of the smallest in terms of size and with a large working and upwardly mobile population.
Bob Craven Lancs
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