Despite a record number of car registrations in Sydney, something strange is happening on the city’s roads. Congestion is easing.
More people are getting licences and more households have cars; logic would tell you that means more gridlock but that’s not the case.
A study by the University of Sydney’s Institute of Transport and Logistics shows the number of cars during peak hours is decreasing.
In the past five years, Pittwater Road in Collaroy is down 10 per cent.
Centenary Drive in Homebush has fallen by 16 per cent, or 15,000 fewer cars.
It’s a similar pattern on Military Road in Mosman, the City West link at Lilyfield, Windsor Road at Baulkam Hills and Victoria Road at Ryde.
The reason why is that more people are working from home.
One in four people are doing some work from home, and there is a shift to working half days in the office.
Cost of living pressures are also pushing people to use their cars less.
However, some things don’t change.
The most congested time on Sydney roads is 11am on Saturday morning, largely because of the kids’ sports run.