London’s roads have been ranked the most congested in Europe for the third year in a row.
According to a report by traffic information supplier Inrix, drivers in the capital spent an average of 99 hours sitting in traffic in 2023. This was an increase from 97 hours in 2022 and more than any other city in Europe, behind only New York and Mexico City worldwide, although China and India are not included.
The length of time lost to jams in London last year was 3% above pre-coronavirus levels.
Pre-Covid Levels
London was ranked the world’s second most congested city in 2022. Bob Pishue, transportation analyst and author of the report, commented:
“We are seeing travel return to pre-Covid levels. The UK and Europe have seen smaller increases in congestion this year than in other parts of the world, which indicates that these countries have found their new travel norms. While London remains most impacted by congestion in the UK, its drop to third suggests that other large global cities have returned to pre-Covid levels of activity. As an indication of strong economic activity, increased congestion can be a positive sign for cities.”
National Congestion Impact
The report stated that a typical driver in the UK lost 61 hours due to traffic jams in 2023, up from 57 hours in the previous 12 months. This 61 hours equates to a financial impact of £558, according to Inrix.
Other Congested UK Cities
After London, the UK’s most congested urban areas were:
- Birmingham
- Bristol
- Leeds
- Wigan
The continued high levels of congestion in London and other major cities underscore the challenges faced by urban planners and policymakers in managing traffic flow and promoting alternative transportation methods.
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