Manchester named one of worst in UK for slow roads with significant congestion

This is according to a new study from car insurance company Tempcover. The group has carried out extensive research and has found that Manchester is fifth in the country for the slowest roads.

The full data breakdown looked at several factors including total time lost to traffic and the longest average delays on local A roads. Manchester is in the top 10 alongside other cities including Liverpool, Southampton and Bristol.

Motorists in Manchester face significant congestion with the 5th slowest roads in England, where drivers average just 15.3mph. Reading tops the list as the area with the slowest-moving traffic, with vehicles averaging just 13 mph on its A roads.

Jake Lambert, a temporary car insurance expert at Tempcover, said: “Spending hours stuck in traffic can lead to driver fatigue and reduced concentration. Temporary car insurance offers a practical solution, giving drivers the flexibility to car share and let someone else take the wheel. This helps lighten the load and reduce stress, particularly when facing unexpected congestion.

“Adding a trusted friend or family member as a legal driver through temporary car insurance doesn’t just take the pressure off, it also contributes to fewer cars on the road. Whether it’s sharing a long drive with a sibling or stopping safely to swap seats with a friend, it’s a practical way to make travel less stressful and ensure a safer journey to your destination.”