New traffic map reveals London’s most congested boroughs

One of London’s most affluent boroughs is the worst hit by congestion, new analysis of traffic in the capital reveals.

Richmond upon Thames in the city’s south-west has the highest density of road users at peak times, the data shows.  

The neighbourhood was found to have a congestion level of 41% with a frustrating average travel time of 24.1 minutes per 10km. 

The average speed was just 24.8mph in the clogged up neighbourhood, which borders the congestion charge area and like the rest of London is an Ultra Low Emission Zone. 

The borough was followed by Hammersmith and Fulham, Ealing, Haringey and Merton in the London congestion data from 2024 compiled for Metro by TomTom.

The figures come after London was found to be the slowest-moving city in Europe earlier this year amid concerns about ‘car-spreading’ with the profusion of SUVs in urban areas.  

In Hammersmith and Fulham, the congestion level was 41% — the percentage reflecting the increase compared to times when traffic is relatively free-flowing.

But road users had an even longer travel time of 27.5 minutes per 10km, with an average speed of 21.7mph.

Of the boroughs, Haringey had the slowest travel time at 29.7 minutes. 

Along with Hammersmith and Fulham, Richmond was in the top 10 areas nationwide for SUV sales, according to a 2021 report by climate charity Possible, making the profusion of the ‘supersized’ vehicles one likely source of the congestion. 

Oliver Lord, UK head of the Clean Cities Campaign, said: ‘Car-spreading – the relentless growth in car size – is worsening traffic in our cities by clogging up roads and making it harder for drivers to pass or park.

‘If we want the capital to be healthier and more efficient then we must discourage supersized SUVs and free up space for the rest of us to move around.’ 

The City of London had the worst travel time of any borough, with motorists taking an average of 41.7 minutes to go just 10km.

To put the figures into perspective, the record time for running the distance is 26:24 held by Kenyan athlete Rhonex Kipruto. 

Travel time is different from congestion as it reflects the obstacles such as traffic lights and zebra crossings that slow traffic down.

Central London’s figures are skewed because the roads are almost always busy, meaning there isn’t a big spike in congestion compared with the other areas in the map.  

Overall, the average London driver took just over 33 minutes to travel 10km last year, representing a 40 second increase on 2023.

Construction work on the M25 and an increase in home deliveries after the pandemic are other reasons identified by TomTom which could be behind the slow-down.

Andy Marchant, a traffic expert at the location technology specialist, said: ‘London’s congestion story is shaped by a complex mix of infrastructure challenges, commuter demand and local policy.

‘Our latest data shows Richmond upon Thames and Hammersmith & Fulham topping the congestion charts in 2024, reflecting high demand and unique local pressures.

‘In Hammersmith, the ongoing closure of Hammersmith Bridge to vehicles continues to contribute to heavier traffic on surrounding roads.

‘This adds pressure to an already busy area with no clear end in sight despite the fact the bridge has reopened to pedestrians and cyclists.

‘Richmond’s congestion is shaped by its popularity, the prevalence of narrow streets and the recent ULEZ expansion across the borough, all of which play a role in slowing journeys and increasing traffic density.’

The Mayor of London’s key priorities include reducing congestion through encouraging people to walk, cycle and use public transport more.

Sadiq Khan and Transport for London have set a target of 80% of all trips in the capital being made by these options by 2041.  

Marchant added: ‘Central boroughs like the City of London, Westminster, and Camden remain hotspots for slow speeds and long travel times, highlighting the need for innovative solutions to keep London moving.

‘While some outer boroughs benefit from wider roads and higher speed limits, the overall trend points to growing pressure on London’s road network. As the city grows, investing in sustainable transport alternatives and smarter traffic management will be key to reducing congestion, improving air quality, and making London a more liveable city for everyone.’

The Healthy Streets coalition, comprised of several groups campaigning for reduced traffic and clean air, ranks Richmond 17th out of 33 boroughs for public transport, speed calming and ‘active’ travel.

While car trips were found to have increased last year, the neighbourhood also displayed the highest cycling rates in outer London.

One move aimed at unclogging roads is Transport for London’s (TfL) proposal to raise the congestion charge by a fifth to £18. 

The price hike would ‘help keep London moving, encourage the uptake of electric vehicles and promote sustainable travel across the capital,’ according to TfL, which is consulting on the plan.

Do you have a story you would like to share? Contact josh.layton@metro.co.uk

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