London Tops Europe in Traffic Congestion, Drivers Lose Over 100 Hours Annually
London has been identified as the most congested city in Europe, with drivers spending an average of 101 hours stuck in traffic last year, reflecting a 2% increase from the previous year. This data, released by transport analytics firm Inrix, places the UK capital ahead of Paris, where drivers experienced an average of 97 hours of delays, and Dublin, with 81 hours.
The financial burden of this congestion on London is estimated at £3.85 billion, equating to approximately £942 per driver among the city's 4 million motorists. The A40 Westway has emerged as the most congested road in the UK, particularly during the peak hour from 5 PM to 6 PM.
Other UK cities also experienced significant congestion, with Bristol and Leeds recording an average of 65 and 60 hours of delays, respectively. Manchester saw a notable year-on-year increase of 13% in traffic delays, while Birmingham improved, dropping from the second-worst to the sixth position in congestion rankings.
Inrix attributed the traffic issues in London to a high concentration of population and economic activity, with key roadworks, like those at the M25 Wisley interchange, exacerbating the situation. Transport for London emphasized its commitment to enhancing transportation efficiency and promoting sustainable travel options as a means to alleviate traffic woes.
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