Similar to its gridlocked traffic, London has maintained its position as the most congested city in Europe, ranking ahead of Paris and Dublin. Last year, drivers in the capital spent an average of 101 hours in traffic, marking a 2% increase from the previous year, according to transport analytics company Inrix.
The city’s congestion has steadily worsened over recent years, rising from 97 hours in 2022 to 99 hours in 2023. The A40 Westway was identified as the UK’s most congested road, with traffic peaking between 5 pm and 6 pm.
Following London, Paris experienced 97 hours of traffic delays, while Dublin came in third with 81 hours. Inrix estimated that congestion cost London around £3.85 billion, equating to £942 per driver among the city’s 4 million motorists.
Inrix’s analysis, which utilized data from phones and vehicles, showed Bristol and Leeds as the UK’s second and third most congested cities, with 65 and 60 hours of delays respectively. Manchester saw a 13% rise in congestion, surpassing Leeds in total hours lost but ranking lower due to its size. Meanwhile, Birmingham improved, dropping to sixth place as traffic flow improved by 10%.
Inrix analyst Bob Pishue noted that while the UK experienced a slight increase in congestion, it remained relatively stable overall. He highlighted significant traffic disruptions on key routes like the M25 Wisley interchange and noted that cities outside London, particularly Manchester, faced the most notable congestion increases.
London’s traffic issues stem from its dense population, employment, and economic activity. A Transport for London spokesperson emphasized the agency’s commitment to enhancing sustainable travel options to alleviate congestion. Despite efforts, the capital continues to grapple with chronic traffic problems, a longstanding issue famously satirized in literature and documented throughout history.
The city’s congestion challenges once inspired plans in the 1960s for a massive motorway project that would have transformed inner London but were ultimately abandoned following strong opposition from local residents.
