The most congested cities in the world have been identified in a study conducted by transport analytics company, INRIX. London topped the list in Europe with drivers in the capital enduring 99 hours of delays due to congestion in 2023. Costing the UK economy a staggering £3.8 billion.
The study, which compared 950 cities, also ranked the UK capital as the third most congested city in the world.
Traffic jams in the UK have continued to intensify in the years following the pandemic, resulting in longer delays and higher costs. According to the report, the average UK driver lost 61 hours to delays in 2023. In the capital, this figure rose to 99 hours. Compared to 2022, this represents a 4-hour increase for Londoners and a 2-hour rise nationwide.
On top of this, traffic congestion costs in the UK reached £7.5 billion in 2023, an uptick of £718 million on 2022 expenses.
While London is the most impacted by congestion in the UK, the report suggests that the capital recovered quicker from the effects of Covid than other cities around the world. Speaking on the figures, transport analyst and author of the report, Bob Pishue said “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.”
He added, “As an indication of strong economic growth, increased congestion can be a positive sign for cities.”
According to the report, the most congested cities in the UK in 2023 were:
1. London
2. Birmingham
3. Bristol
4. Leeds
5. Wigan
6. Bath
7. Chelmsford
8. Manchester
9. Hertford-Harlow
10. Burton upon Trent
