Traffic Congestion - GCSE Geography Definition

Traffic congestion refers to the overcrowding of vehicles on roads, which leads to slower speeds, longer journey times, and vehicle queues. It commonly happens during peak travel times, such as the morning and evening rush hours, when many people are trying to get to work or return home at the same time. This problem is often seen in big cities and can be caused by too many cars on the road, accidents, roadworks, or poor road design. Traffic congestion not only makes travel frustrating for drivers but also increases pollution, it can harm the environment and people's health, and dramatically reduce economic productivity. Understanding traffic congestion is important for finding ways to improve transportation and make cities more liveable.