A new data study has revealed Thurrock to be the most congested area to drive outside of London.
Following recent statistics, it has been revealed that Thurrock is the UK’s most congested area outside of London, with the highest vehicle miles per kilometre of road. Cardiff follows in second place, while Salford ranks third.
Lottomart, known for offering titles such as Crazy Time Live, reviewed a recent study analysing UK traffic congestion between 2018 and 2023, highlighting the areas with the highest vehicle density. The findings reveal that Thurrock leads the list with 10,648,536 vehicle miles travelled per kilometre, followed by Cardiff with 10,123,135 and Salford with 10,073,092 vehicle miles per kilometre.
With the national average standing at 5,511,675 vehicle miles travelled per kilometre over the study period, Thurrock soars to the top of the list, significantly exceeding this figure. The research highlights the growing impact of congestion on road networks, emphasising the need for infrastructure improvements and traffic management solutions – particularly in densely populated areas where high vehicle density can lead to increased delays.
Top 5 Most Congested Areas Outside London (Vehicle miles per Kilometer of road):
- Thurrock – 10,648,536 vehicle miles/km
- Total Vehicle Miles Traveled: 6386300000
- Average Link Length km: 600
- Cardiff – 10,123,135 vehicle miles/km
- Total Vehicle Miles Traveled: 11124600000
- Average Link Length km: 1099
- Salford – 10,073,092 vehicle miles/km
- Total Vehicle Miles Traveled: 8183800000
- Average Link Length km: 812
- Warrington – 9,718,612 vehicle miles/km
- Total Vehicle Miles Traveled: 9740900000
- Average Link Length km: 1002
- Knowsley – 9,676,609 vehicle miles/km
- Total Vehicle Miles Traveled: 5778000000
- Average Link Length km: 597
On the opposite end of the scale, the Isles of Scilly found off the Cornish coast in southwest England, rank as the least congested area in the UK, with just 238,430 vehicle miles per kilometre.
Commenting on the findings, a spokesperson from Lottomart said, “These statistics highlight the pressing need for better urban planning and investment in sustainable travel options. Without action, congestion will continue to impact commuters.”
