Business hurt by traffic congestion

More than half (57 per cent) of Sydney businesses have seen their fleets spend up to four hours longer in traffic each week, according to new research conducted by NRMA's Businesswise.

The survey of 175 NRMA Businesswise Members found that more than 80 per cent of businesses had seen traffic congestion increase over the last 12 months.

The survey found that 12 per cent of businesses have seen their annual operating costs increase by as much as $20,000 because of the extra time they are forced to spend on the road.

NRMA BusinessWise provides roadside assistance and Member benefits including fuel advice and discounts to more than 18,000 businesses in NSW and the ACT.

"The state election has come and gone and this survey highlights that the State Government needs to get serious about fixing Sydney's traffic problems," NRMA CEO Tony Stuart said.

"This survey highlights yet another casualty of Sydney's traffic problems as it is clear that it is costing businesses a lot of money.

"As a company set up to reach Members broken down in traffic and get them moving again as quickly as possible, we understand the implications traffic congestion can have on your company's ability to service its clients and grow better than anyone.

"Traffic congestion during peak hours means that it takes our patrols longer to get to a broken down vehicle. As a result, we are forced to put additional patrols on the road so that we can get to our Members sooner."

The NRMA survey of Businesswise members found that traffic congestion had:

• Increased fuel consumption (60%)
• Increased operating costs (47%)
• Decreased staff punctuality (42%)
• Slowed down productivity (33%)

NRMA Director, Gary Punch, said more than one-quarter (27 per cent) of businesses surveyed have been forced to make changes to their operations to deal with traffic congestion.

"Overwhelmingly, our Members have been forced to restructure the way they do business to deal with this threat," Mr Punch said.

"Businesses are now starting the day earlier and finishing later so that their fleet vehicles don't get caught in traffic. Others have told us that they have been forced to pass the additional cost on to their customers."

"Our Members have told us that a significant investment in transport is needed if we will ever ease Sydney's traffic congestion. The Lane Cove Tunnel has recently opened and has already made a difference to traffic congestion in that part of Sydney.

"We also believe that a transport corridor is needed along the northern beaches, which combines public transport options and the upgrade of local roads. Sydney also needs to act now to ease traffic around Port Botany and south and south-west Sydney by completing the F6 and M4 extensions."