A recent study by location technology company TomTom has revealed that London holds the title for the world’s slowest city for drivers, marking the second consecutive year. The analysis covered 387 cities across 55 countries, and London’s central area stood out with an average journey time of 37 minutes and 20 seconds for a 10km drive. The primary factor contributing to this slow pace is the implementation of 20mph speed limits, especially in the city center.
Key Findings and Global Comparison
The study highlighted that London’s slow driving conditions were significantly impacted by the 20mph speed limits, creating a stark contrast with other cities globally. Dublin, Toronto, Milan, and Lima rounded out the top five slowest cities. In the UK, Manchester secured the second spot, followed by Liverpool, Bristol, and Edinburgh. TomTom emphasized the lack of infrastructure for high-speed driving in central London as a crucial factor in the city’s ranking.
Response from London Mayor’s Office
London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s spokesperson countered the study, labeling it as misleading. The spokesperson argued that the analysis focused on a small part of the city center rather than considering the entire metropolitan area. Roadworks were identified as the primary cause of congestion, and the mayor’s infrastructure co-ordination service is actively working with boroughs and utility companies to minimize delays caused by roadworks.
Disagreement with Analysis
Carl Eddleston, the director of network management and resilience, expressed disagreement with TomTom’s analysis, stating that it does not accurately represent London as a whole. Eddleston criticized the report for examining data only within a 5km radius from the city center, making fair comparisons with other cities challenging. He emphasized that London’s overall size and density need to be considered for a more comprehensive understanding of the city’s traffic dynamics.
London’s Response and Future Plans
In October of the previous year, London published a ‘Plan for Drivers’ outlining measures to address the slow driving conditions. The plan acknowledged the need for appropriate use of 20mph speed limits, discouraging unwarranted blanket measures. The city aims to strike a balance between ensuring safety and addressing the concerns of drivers, recognizing that effective traffic management is crucial for the well-being of both residents and visitors.
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