Road chaos is getting worse
10:36am Wednesday 15th August 2001
BUSINESSES in Buckinghamshire are losing millions because of time lost through commuting.
New research has shown that the likelihood of motorists being stuck in traffic congestion has risen sharply over the past four years.
According to the latest data derived from Trafficmaster's nationwide network of traffic sensors, many congestion black spots carry a greater chance of delay than a year ago and the risk of delay is increasing as more drivers try to avoid jams by either leaving earlier or staying later at work.
The delays are resulting in an estimated cost to British business of around £20 billion per year with commuter towns like High Wycombe heavily involved with the problems caused by congestion.
Between 1997 and 1999, there was a five to ten per cent chance of being delayed on a journey, but since then the risk has increased, particularly on roads like the M25 and M4 near London.
On the M25, between junctions 10A and 21A last year, there was a 17 per cent chance of being delayed by at least four minutes.
This year, the risk has gone up to nearly 30 per cent and the spread of the delays is also much longer.
Motorists who travel regular routes have tried to beat the jams by starting out earlier and finishing later.
But these same drivers have inadvertently added to the problem, causing much longer periods of rush hour congestion.
In some areas, congestions can start as early as 6am and continue through to 9.30am.
But a campaign in the south-east, aimed at the shorter car journeys is hoping to help ease the jams.
Statistics show that if traffic was to be reduced on roads by just five per cent, it would have a drastic effect on journey times.
The Are You Doing your Bit campaign is aimed at motorists to get out of the car and walk for short journeys, to the school with the children to the shops, or to pick up takeaways in the evening.
The journeys, mostly under one mile, add to the congestion, creating additional pollution that harms the environment.