London has been identified as Europe’s most congested city, with drivers losing an average of 101 hours in traffic during 2024, a 2% increase from the previous year. This marks the fourth consecutive year that London has topped the European congestion rankings.
The financial implications are significant, with the total cost of congestion in London estimated at £3.85 billion, averaging £942 per driver. This highlights the challenges faced by the city’s transport infrastructure.
Globally, London ranks as the fifth most congested city, with Istanbul leading the list.
Top 10 Most Congested Cities in Europe
- London
- Paris
- Dublin
- Rome
- Brussels
- Warsaw
- Milan
- Rotterdam
- Prague
- Berlin
Top 10 Most Congested Cities Globally
- Istanbul
- New York City
- Chicago
- Mexico City
- London
- Paris
- Bogotá
- Boston
- Miami
- Bangkok
London’s congestion is largely attributed to the concentration of population, employment, and economic activity within the city. Efforts to mitigate congestion, such as the introduction of the London Congestion Charge in 2003, have not resolved the issue.
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Transport for London remains committed to improving mobility across the capital, with investments in walking, cycling, and public transport aimed at providing sustainable travel options and alleviating traffic. However, persistent congestion levels indicate that further measures may be required to effectively tackle the city’s transport challenges.
