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Worst traffic in SA – survey

CAPE TOWN – Satnav specialist TomTom has released its Congestion Index for South Africa 2012. The report analyses traffic in three major cities in SA - Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.

The report reveals that Johannesburg drivers are the most frustrated behind the wheel due to a 37-minute addition to their daily commute during peak periods.

Capetonians don’t fare much better with an additional 34mins added to their journey, while Durbanites, on average, only spend and extra 15 minutes in traffic.

OVERALL DELAY

The Congestion Index captures data from vehicles throughout SA and its database contains over five trillion measurements.

The overall congestion level for South Africa is at 25%, meaning travel time is increased by 25% during heavy traffic.

Congestion levels per city:
Johannesburg: 32%
Cape Town: 27%
Durban: 16%

BEST AND WORST TIMES TO TRAVEL

TomTom’s data also details the best and worst days to travel during the week.

The most congested day in Johannesburg was March 15, 2012. The worst times to travel are Monday mornings and Thursday afternoons, while the best times to travel are Wednesday afternoons and Friday mornings.

The most congested day in Cape Town was March 16. According to TomTom, the worst days to travel are Monday mornings and Friday afternoons, while the best times to travel are Friday mornings and Wednesday afternoons.

The most congested day in Durban was March 23. Durban echoes Cape Town for the best/worst travel times with Monday mornings and Friday afternoons being the busiest. The best times to travel are Wednesday mornings and afternoons

Daan Henderickx, manager of TomTom South Africa, said: “Over the years, with the help of our customers, we have built the largest and most accurate database of travel time information in the world.”

“When we combine this travel database with our detailed real-time traffic information and routing technology, we can not only pin point congestion, but can guide drivers away from congested areas onto faster routes,” he said.

MORE FROM TOM TOM


In November 2012 TomTom launched its Start 60, which has the biggest screen - at 15cm - among the company’s satnavs.

The Start 60 comes with TomTom’s new dual mounting system that gives buyers the choice between mounting their device on the windscreen or dashboard.

TomTom also launched its new VIA 130 with “Speak & Go” functionality that allows drivers to control the device via 1000 voice commands.

The VIA 135, with a larger 12.7cm screen compared to the 130’s 10.9cm unit, has been confirmed for South Africa, although details on pricing and availability were not released.

Prices:
TomTom Start 60 - R2099
TomTom VIA 130 - R 1599

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