That’s the finding of INRIX in its ‘London Congestion Trends’ report, which finds that although car traffic in London is down, congestion has risen since 2012.
According to the study, journey times in Central London have grown by 12% annually. This is consistent with data that shows that the London economy and population are growing, which normally results in an increase in gridlock. Further, unemployment and fuel prices are down, both of which usually mean a rise in traffic.
However car travel has decreased in the Congestion Charge Zone and Central London since 2012, and overall demand for road travel has remained flat. The analysis also found that there is a much greater reliance on public transport and other modes.
Instead INRIX said that one of the primary causes of increased congestion in the Capital is increased roadworks. Between 2012 and 2015, the duration of planned roadworks in London rose by 362%, resulting in 2,437 hours of disruption. Unplanned incidents also took their toll, with the number of hours roads were disrupted by such incidents, including accidents, up by 23% over the same period.
INRIX added that another cause of increased gridlock in London is likely a result of the booming ecommerce market, which may have spurred a sharp increase in the number of delivery vans on London’s roads. The study found that the volume of light goods vehicles (LGVs) in the Congestion Charge Zone, which account for more than 17% of all vehicles, is increasing year-on-year, and increased by 7.7% over the study period.
The report’s findings are being presented today (18 May) to a group of senior policymakers at an event hosted by London First, a non-profit organisation comprised of business leaders in London.
David Leam, infrastructure director at London First, commented: “What’s needed is for the new Mayor to ease off excessive roadworks, build new river crossings, devise a plan for managing freight, and revisit measures to control congestion, including charging.”
