Traffic congestion in cities across the UK has got significantly worse over the past year, with commuters spending the equivalent of 10 working days a year stuck in traffic – up from nine days a year ago.

The fourth annual TomTom Traffic Index has shown that Belfast remains the most congested city in the UK, with journey times 36 per cent slower than free-flow traffic throughout the day. London is the UK’s second worst city, with journey times 34 per cent slower, rising to 63 per cent in the evening rush hour.

Close behind is the Scottish capital Edinburgh, where travelling during the morning rush hour takes 60 per cent longer than usual.

The TomTom Traffic Index has compared travel times during non-congested hours with travel times in peak hours. The research has found that average delays have risen to 36 minutes, with commuters suffering 86 hours of congestion, which is eight hours more than a year ago.

The study has also found that drivers who attempt to beat the rush hour by using rat runs are wasting their time

The study has also found that drivers who attempt to beat the rush hour by using rat runs are wasting their time, with average journeys taking 27 per cent longer compared to main roads.

It is estimated that time lost as a result of traffic congestion costs the UK economy £2 billion a year and the situation is set to get worse despite a £28 billion plan for road improvements in the UK.

The Government has forecast four million more drivers on UK roads by 2030 and that, by 2040, the volume of traffic will have risen by 40 per cent.