Drivers in these cities lose up to £942 each while sitting in traffic, according to a new study that has found that the capital is where drivers suffer the most
London is the fifth most congested city globally.(Image: Getty Images/Image Source)
Ever felt the pain of being stuck in slow-moving traffic, turning a simple journey into a long and painful commute?
You’re not the only one. A new study by a global transportation analytics company called INRIX for the RAC found that Londoners lost a huge 101 hours sitting in congestion in 2024. This is a 2% increase in delays from the last 12 months.
The statistic isn’t surprising, given that the study also found that London is the most congested city in the UK and Europe, as well as the fifth most congested city globally.
On top of that, if that wasn’t enough, the capital also accounts for approximately 50% of all UK traffic delay.
These delays don’t just waste time, but money too. The study found that the delays cost to London was £3.85 billion, averaging an eye-watering £942 per driver.
London is the most congested city in the country, unsurprisingly(Image: Getty Images/RooM RF)
On average, Brits lost 62 hours due to traffic congestion last year, up only one hour from the previous 12-month period. This works out to £581 per driver per year.
Bob Pishue, transportation analyst and author of the report: “While the UK did see a slight increase in congestion again this year, overall congestion has remained steady.
“Roadworks in key corridors such as M25 Wisely Interchange caused considerable traffic on a main artery into the capital. Interestingly it was cities outside of the capital that saw the greatest increase in congestion with Manchester seeing a large increase, up 13%.
“While London only had a modest increase in time lost, it still represented half of the entire country’s delay.
“Bristol and Leeds both moved up a spot while Birmingham and Wigan fell. Sheffield and Edinburgh were added to the top 10 list this year, as delays grew to 53 hours lost per driver in both places.
Drivers can lose up to 101 hours to congestion(Image: Getty Images)
“Manchester has continued its rise to the 4th ranked spot in the country, after moving from 11th to 8th from 2022-2023, and from 8th to 4th in 2024.”
London faces the worst traffic delays. This is due to increased population sizes, employment and economic activity. On the city’s most congested route—the westbound A40 between the North Circular and the A406—drivers face an additional 17-minute delay during the 5:00 PM peak hour.
What are the most congested cities in the UK?
1. London – 101 hours lost in traffic, costing £942 per driver
2. Bristol – 65 hours lost in traffic, costing £606 per driver
3. Leeds – 60 hours lost in traffic, costing £560 per driver
4. Manchester – 61 hours lost in traffic, costing £570 per driver
5. Bath – 68 hours lost in traffic, costing £634 per driver
6. Birmingham – 54 hours lost in traffic, costing £504 per driver
7. Wigan – 57 hours lost in traffic, costing £532 per driver
8. Chelmsford – 59 hours lost in traffic, costing £550 per driver
9. Sheffield – 53 hours lost in traffic, costing £494 per driver
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