Cars slower than a horse and cart in gridlocked UK

TRAFFIC on some of our busiest roads now moves more slowly than a horse and cart, a report shows.

Buses move at an average 3.8mph between Covent Garden and Tower Gateway in London.

By comparison, a horse and cart can reach 4mph.

Congestion on London’s roads has increased by 40 per cent in four years, traffic information company Inrix found.

London’s drivers spend an average 101 hours a year – more than 12 working days – stuck in traffic, up from 72 hours in 2012.

In Coventry, drivers spend 28 hours a year trapped in traffic, an increase of 34 per cent from 21 hours in 2012. In South Wales the figure has gone up by 31 per cent from 19 to 25 hours.

Greater Manchester drivers are stuck for 51 hours a year, up 15 per cent from 45 hours in 2012.

Drivers in Leeds, Bradford, Glasgow, Tyne and Wear and Merseyside have also suffered increases in congestion waiting times.

Lord Wolfson, chief executive of Next, has offered £250,000 for the best idea to cure congestion.

He said: “Roads are grinding to a halt. Motorists pay £33billion to the Government but aren’t getting the investment.” Inrix said roadworks are partly to blame for congestion in London.

The report found that traffic in Elephant and Castle, south London, used to average 14.9mph in the morning rush hour. After a bicycle superhighway was built, it has fallen to an average 12.6mph.

A Department for Transport spokesman said: “We are making the most extensive improvements to roads since the Seventies, investing a record £15billion.”

Transport for London’s Garrett Emmerson said: “London’s success means rising traffic, alongside essential work to improve safety. We are making the most efficient use of limited space.”