Saturday traffic is 'worse than rush hour'

Traffic congestion is now worse at midday on Saturdays than during the traditional weekday rush hours, research reveals today.

Figures show there is significantly more traffic on British roads between 11am and 2pm on Saturdays than during the 5pm to 7pm midweek slots.

The number of vehicles on the road at Saturday lunchtime is 5.6 times higher than the total weekly average. During Monday to Friday rush hours, traffic levels are 5.2 times higher than average.

However there is a different pattern in central London, where traffic levels are slightly lower at weekends. Although the congestion charge does not operate at weekends, this is offset by the absence of commuters and delivery trucks flooding into London during the week.

Insurance firm esure analysed Transport Department figures and added information from more than 100,000 insurance claims over the last four years.

It said Saturday lunchtime was becoming a peak time for accidents. The number of car insurance claims increases and decreases in line with traffic volumes.