London takes the title for World’s Slowest Capital City

23 February 2026

New data published in the 15th edition of the TomTom Traffic Index, an annual report providing an overview on global traffic trends, shows that drivers in London now spend on average 35 minutes and 7 seconds for a 6-mile drive.

Key facts highlighted include:

• In 2025, people driving in London lost an average of 136 hours to rush hour traffic.
• The worst day for congestion was September 10, when Tube strikes forced commuters to find alternative routes, sending congestion soaring to 138 per cent at 5PM.
• Dockless e-bikes now account for one in ten journeys.

Traffic expert at TomTom Andy Marchant said, “We’re seeing the effects of more people heading back to the office (with many major employers returning to four or five-day office working), as well as the impact of ongoing Tube strikes.

“At the same time, there’s a growing shift towards cycling and alternative ways of getting around.

“Changes like the 20mph speed limits are starting to shape how people move and how safe those journeys are. It’s not just London. Congestion is rising in cities like Belfast, Edinburgh and Manchester, too.”

He mused that 2026 will be an “interesting time for urban mobility”.

“Trials of autonomous vehicles will be rolled out across 20 London boroughs, giving local authorities and city planners a real opportunity to rethink how cities manage congestion and keep people moving.”

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