Traffic jams in 14 out of the Britain’s 17 biggest cities has got worse over the past year, with the average commuter wasting 129 hours a year stuck in congestion, according to the annual Traffic Index.
The analysis, conducted by TomTom, shows that the average car journey in 2014 took 29% longer than they would in free-flowing traffic.
The Index shows that the most congested city in the UK is Belfast, with journey times 39% slower than free-flow traffic throughout the day. Bristol is the only city where congestion has improved this year.
Ralf-Peter Schaefer, vice-president of TomTom Traffic, said: ‘Road authorities and local governments can use traffic data to better manage traffic flow and businesses can plan smarter working hours, so their employees avoid travelling during rush hour.
‘We can also give drivers the real-time traffic information and smart routing they need to avoid clogged roads and get there faster. Our mission is to help reduce traffic congestion for everyone.’
The top five cites for congestion, according to the Index:
• Belfast
• London
• Edinburgh
• Brighton and Hove
• Manchester
