Statistics that suggest Nottinghamshire roads are more congested than those in New York have been questioned by transport figureheads.
Traffic-data company Inrix have suggested roads in South Nottinghamshire, a statistical boundary that covers much of the county, are the twelfth most congested in both Europe and North America.
The findings were ranked by looking at the difference in traffic speed during peak hours from Monday to Friday against what it was like when roads were free-flowing.
This information, taken across the past 12 months, was then averaged out to create a rank-able score.
This could mean that Nottinghamshire achieved a higher score because the drop in speed between peak and non-peak times might be more dramatic than in cities with heavier or grid-locked traffic.
The area analysed by Inrix, stretches from the city centre to Sutton-in-Ashfield in the north, Bingham in the east, East Leake in the south and Little Eaton in the west.
This also incorporates junction 25 to junction 27 of the M1 and the A52.
The "South Nottinghamshire" boundary used by Inrix was based on a guideline provided by Eurostat and the Office for National Statistics.
It reflects data collected from June 2013-2014.
Inrix spokesman Chris Lambert said: "The common factor between cities with high congestion tends to be good news really, showing there's a very good improving economy leading to an increase in traffic congestion.
"Although we all hate sitting in congestion it's because people want to be in the area, want to come into the city and work."
Jamil Ahmed, Chairman of the Nottingham Licensed Taxi Owners' and Drivers' Association questioned the statistics but believed there were some issues with congestion.
He said: "I don't think that Nottingham sticks out particularly though, it's like any other city."
"Congestion is an issue at peak times in the city centre though and especially with roadworks which are ongoing still at the moment, although our drivers are experienced to find other avenues to take."
Nottingham City Council's Portfolio holder for Transport councillor Jane Urquhart also queried the figures.
She said: "This survey covers an area well outside the city, including the A453 and the M1 where there have been extensive roadworks recently.
"Those improvements, as well as schemes underway in the city including the tram extension and ring road improvements, are all designed to ease congestion, and will do so once complete.
"I'm confident that once current transport developments are complete, we will return to some of the lowest congestion levels in a major UK city."
Andy Warrington, Service Director for Highways at Nottinghamshire County Council added they were endeavouring to improve transport links in the county.
He said"The county council is contributing £20m towards the £150m improvement of the A453 in south Nottinghamshire.
"The widening and dualling of this 11.5km route started construction in January 2013 and is on schedule to be completed by summer 2015 helping alleviate traffic congestion in south Nottinghamshire."
Are Nottinghamshire roads driving you up the wall? Email newsdesk@nottinghampost.com
↧