Busiest time of day for traffic (London-centric)

keyser__soze

I've found myself commuting at either end of the so-called rush hours recently and found quite a noticeable difference in the volume of vehicle traffic, with earlier tending to be quieter than later both in the morning and evening. The Embankment was less clogged up at 7.30am than 10.30am, and the first time I commuted down Ken High St to Hammersmith at 6.30pm it was a complete nightmare and I thought about finding another rote but at 5.30pm it was almost completely clear and a totally different experience.

Do you guys notice a big difference in traffic depending on what time you set off? Of course 5am/10pm are going to be quieter but how about 5pm vs 6.30pm or 7.30am vs 9.30am? Have you changed the hours you work to take advantage of quieter/better traffic conditions?

cjcp

Does it have anything to do with the congestion charge times/

Yesterday, I left at 6pm and it was clogged up - I have a feeling that's going to happen a lot more now because of all the tourist coaches parking up before Westminster Bridge.

Leaving at 7.15am was nicer because I miss the school run close to home, but still found Embankment to be backed-up as you approach Horseguards.

In conclusion, I have found that it's completely hit and miss.

t4tomo

I had to go home early to dentist yday and the west end was a nightmare at 2pm, far busier than at 5.30 -6.30pm

asprilla

I find lunchtime to be the worst. If I'm working half day, getting home is a pain in the bum.

tobermory

there seems to be no rush hour it last all day long

nich

A massive difference.

I get to Barbican around 7:30am, which is before rush hour really.

There's really not that many cyclists around, but I have noticed an increase in the summer months.

I leave at 5:15pm, which is basically around rush hour, and...well...it's rush hour, loads more cyclists 'n traffic in general.

It's a lot more relaxing in the morning

EKE_38BPM

I think its quietest (but not quiet) between 2 AM and 4 AM.


Between 0400 and 0200 its just crazy!

Drysuitdiver

EKE_38BPM wrote:

I think its quietest (but not quiet) between 2 AM and 4 AM.


Between 0400 and 0200 its just crazy!

having ridden home through London on my "night shift" a fair few times in the last 3 months i can agree.

1 am at new spitalfields is mental

Headhuunter

On some roads I notice that, after 7, cars are allowed to use bus lanes. Sometimes if I'm out at about 7.01pm, I notice drivers start to swerve from traffic clogged lanes into the bus lane, often without much of a check....

Pufftmw

Headhuunter wrote:

On some roads I notice that, after 7, cars are allowed to use bus lanes. Sometimes if I'm out at about 7.01pm, I notice drivers start to swerve from traffic clogged lanes into the bus lane, often without much of a check....

It is amazing how many people don't read the bus lane restriction signs and don't drive in them when they are allowed to. Allows me (when driving) to make good & rapid progress

(obv not speeding and looking out for cyclists etc)

Headhuunter

On another note, weren't the roads in SE London noticeably clearer this morning? The ride as far as London Bridge through Deptford was much quieter than usual. Got busier again in central London though...

Pufftmw

It was - A2 was shut at Eltham which may have helped

I set a pb coming into work as well

Headhuunter

Pufftmw wrote:

It was - A2 was shut at Eltham which may have helped

I set a pb coming into work as well

Yeah it was a delight whizzing along. I just assumed it was the sheer number of people who had booked today off to get away for the long weekend early...

Drysuitdiver

Pufftmw wrote:

Headhuunter wrote:

On some roads I notice that, after 7, cars are allowed to use bus lanes. Sometimes if I'm out at about 7.01pm, I notice drivers start to swerve from traffic clogged lanes into the bus lane, often without much of a check....

It is amazing how many people don't read the bus lane restriction signs and don't drive in them when they are allowed to. Allows me (when driving) to make good & rapid progress

(obv not speeding and looking out for cyclists etc)

sadly the illiterate arseholes several of the local boroughs employ to operate the bus lane cameras from a comfy control centre love to send fines out for vehicles using them in the time they are allowed to.

the time saved by using them is eroded very rapidly when you put the time appealing against the wrongful issue of a ticket. 34 so far.


there used to be one on Well street in Hackney that didn't have the coperating hour sign which makes it a road wih a lot of red and white paint on it. had a traffic car pull me once while i was using it , he went away having learnt something for the day.

Pufftmw

Strange - I've not had any so far. I turn to R4 and use the pips on the hour to denote when safe/not. Its not one our couriers get hit for either.








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