A recent study has shown that the average commuter misses out on 55 hours of "free time" a year due to worsening traffic conditions.
The findings by polling agency Walnut Unlimited for the Go-Ahead Group,highlighted the inconvenience suffered by road users, with a commuter leaving home on average 13 minutes early to compensate for any disruptions.
Despite these efforts, 40 per cent of road commuters have been late to work due to traffic congestion over the last six months. More alarmingly, 4 per cent have been late for a job interview because of hold ups on the road.
Official figures have shown that traffic congestion is getting worse, with delays increasing by 10 per cent since 2014. At this current rate, the Centre for Economics and Business Research have given an estimate stating that "congestion would cost the British economy more than £300bn by 2030".
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Martin Dean, managing director of bus development at Go-Ahead thinks that local authorities should refrain from cutting back on funds for double decker buses as they "can take as many as 75 private cars off the road, easing congestion and improving air quality". He added: "This study shows the true impact traffic jams have on peoples lives. Its in everybodys interests to get the country moving more quickly".
Buses are not exempt from traffic congestion, however, with Go-Ahead's findings showing that the average bus passenger hits a tipping point of impatience after 20 minutes and 16 seconds in traffic.
As part of Go-Ahead's study, the public transport operator asked the public their opinion on what should be done to help diminish the problem. 51 per cent of respondents advocated more investment in public transport, while 30 per cent backed workplace motivations to subsidise bus travel. Only 22 per cent of respondents were actively in favour of building new roads.
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