Europe’s Most Congested Roads: London Takes The Lead

For the third consecutive year, London has been ranked as the most congested city in Europe. According to a report by traffic data provider Inrix, private and motor trade drivers in the UK capital spent an average of 99 hours stuck in traffic in 2023, up from 97 hours the previous year.

This places London just behind New York and Mexico City in terms of global traffic congestion. It’s important to note that the report does not include data from China and India.

Inrix’s analysis also shows a 3% increase in time lost to traffic compared to pre-COVID levels, indicating a growing problem. Across the UK, the average driver spent 61 hours in traffic last year, compared to 57 hours in 2022. Besides London, other major UK cities facing significant congestion include Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, and Wigan.

New EU Speed Limiter

European Union mandate from July 7th, 2024, now requires all new vehicles sold to be equipped with Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA) systems. Although this regulation will not apply in Great Britain, most new cars sold here will likely include the technology, as motor manufacturers are not expected to create separate designs for the UK market.

Private and motor trade insurance brokers will be interested in the ISA system, as it uses GPS tracking, satellite navigation, and road speed limit data to automatically adjust a vehicle’s speed. If a driver exceeds the speed limit, the system can reduce engine power until the vehicle slows down to the appropriate speed. While current regulations allow drivers to turn off the speed limiter, it will automatically reactivate each time the engine is started, making it a standard feature in all new cars sold in Northern Ireland.

The European Union introduced the 2019/2044 ISA regulation to reduce traffic accidents and road casualties by 20%. The European Transport Safety Council supports this measure, predicting a 30% reduction in traffic collisions. This initiative is part of the EU’s broader strategy to eliminate road deaths by 2050, something all motorists and insurance providers will support.

EU Travel Safety and Compliance

As motorists start their summer trips across the Channel, new research highlights a need for more awareness about emergency contact numbers in the European Union.

Less than 40% of surveyed Brits knew to call 112 in an emergency, with many mistakenly thinking they should dial UK numbers such as 999 or 111.

Additionally, there’s confusion about the correct vehicle identifiers required when driving abroad. Since September 2021, UK drivers must display a ‘UK’ identifier on their vehicles when travelling outside the country. However, over 40% of drivers do not plan to use the correct identifier, risking spot fines from the local police. All motorists must ensure they comply with these regulations to avoid unnecessary issues during their travels.

As the traffic situation in London and other cities remains a significant issue, and with EU regulations changing, it’s crucial for drivers to stay informed and prepare for their journeys.