Traffic analysis experts Inrix issued a report last week which confirms the connection between traffic issues and economic prosperity.

Inrix monitored traffic in 123 cities across Europe and found that British roads are the most congested. The company reviewed traffic across the UK between September 2016 and August 2017 and reports that there were around 3,700 traffic jams every day. Analysis of the effect of this congestion suggests that “1.3 million traffic jams in the past year have cost the UK economy a total of £9 billion”.

From lost productivity to missed delivery targets, transport infrastructure has long been a major concern to British businesses, not least in our region, where effective connectivity is key to attracting and keeping companies in the Black Country. The Chamber of Commerce is currently running a Get the Midlands Moving campaign to address local transport issues and to lobby on a regional and national policy level, raising awareness of the effect that insufficient infrastructure is having on Black Country businesses.

Corin Crane, Chief Executive of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, commented: “Time and time again we are reminded of the problems caused by congestion in the UK. Poor infrastructure is one of the biggest hindrances to businesses who trade locally, regionally and globally. We sincerely hope that through the Autumn Budget statement we will see some action on addressing these issues from the Chancellor of the Exchequer. It is imperative for Black Country businesses that goods can be moved in the most efficient way possible, from both a time and cost perspective.”

For more information on the Get the Midlands Moving campaign, visit the BCCC website or call 0330 024 0820.