NO-GO AREAS

The effect of traffic congestion on freight transport in the UK is discussed. A report by the Commission for Integrated Transport shows that the UK has more congestion than any other European country, with use of the available road space of twice the continental European average. Congestion accounts for 5% of total freight transport time in the UK compared with just over 1% in France. This increases the annual running costs of a 40-t articulated lorry doing 70,000 miles by 10% in the UK compared with France. The M6 in Birmingham is highlighted as a particular problem. Other estimates of the cost of congestion are twice as high on the basis of the uncertainty created in the supply chain, and the lost opportunities to generate new business. The average duration of congestion incidents in the UK is also increasing. Drivers often leave depots early in the morning to avoid outgoing congestion but cannot avoid it when returning with back loads. The customer does not consider the cost of congestion an acceptable additional charge.