Statistical Bulletin: Transport Series: Trn / 2013/ 2: Scottish Household Survey: Travel Diary 2012

9. Congestion and Delays

Ten per cent of car stages were delayed due to traffic congestion in 2012

Eleven per cent of service bus stages were delayed in 2012

9.1 The statistic for car stages delayed due to congestion underpins the 'Reduce Traffic Congestion' National Indicator within Scotland's National Performance Framework.

9.2 The question in the Scottish Household Survey asks respondents for each car stage, "Was this part of your trip delayed due to traffic congestion?". No definition of traffic congestion is given so it is up to the respondent to make the interpretation.

9.3 The 9.9 per cent figure for 2012 is lower than the indicator's 2006 baseline, and the lowest proportion recorded in the survey. [Table 10]. More information can be found on the Scotland Performs website.

9.4 Of the congestion delays experienced during car stages, two thirds were 'about 10 minutes' or less. [Table 12]

9.5 Most delays are caused by volume of traffic. Seventy three per cent of drivers reporting delay stated volume of traffic as the reason. Road or maintenance works/temporary traffic lights was the second highest reason given (26%). [Table 10a]

9.6 Eleven per cent of service bus users suffered delays in 2012. This is comparable to the figures for the previous 2 years. [Table 11] The question on reasons for delay of rail journeys was not asked in 2012. The question will return in future surveys.