The figures are measured in seconds per vehicle per mile (spvpm), meaning how many seconds a car is typically delayed for every mile it travels on the road. The higher the number, the slower the traffic is moving.
The stats published by the Department for Transport show that in 2024, average vehicle delays in Lewisham hit 202.5 seconds per mile, making it the most gridlocked section of the A2.
Southwark follows closely behind, with delays reaching 155.7 seconds per mile, which is 1.6 times higher than the average.
Both boroughs sit within the Greater London Authority, pointing to worsening congestion in inner London.
It’s not just the capital feeling the strain. In Medway, delays have climbed to 111.1 seconds per mile, nearly 90 per cent above the typical A road delay, showing congestion is spilling over into surrounding areas.
Some sections of the A2 are seeing far lower delays than others. Bexley recorded an average delay of 22.4 seconds per mile, which is 62 per cent lower than the average A road.
Greenwich and Kent also recorded lower-than-average figures, at 23 per cent below the typical delay, suggesting these areas are moving traffic more efficiently than the worst-affected parts of the route.
Looking at the trends over the past five years, delays on the A2 have fluctuated in some areas but worsened significantly in others.
Lewisham’s congestion problem is not new, but the numbers show it has only intensified. In 2020, the borough recorded delays of 199.4 seconds per mile, slightly dropping to 197.1 in 2021, before surging to 217.7 in 2023—its worst year yet.
While 2024’s figure of 202.5 is slightly lower, it remains significantly above previous years and highlights a long-term issue.
Southwark has seen a similar pattern, with delays consistently rising from 140.9 seconds per mile in 2021 to 155.7 in 2024.
Meanwhile, Medway’s congestion has worsened steadily, increasing from 75.0 seconds per mile in 2020 to 111.1 in 2024, suggesting the problems are not confined to inner London.
It’s worth noting that 2020 figures are likely to be lower due to the impact of the pandemic, which saw fewer cars on the road as lockdowns and restrictions cut commuter and business traffic.
We have approached National Highways for further comment.
Here is a full breakdown of the delays on the A2:
Local Authority
2020 (spvpm)
2021 (spvpm)
2022 (spvpm)
2023 (spvpm)
2024 (spvpm)
Difference from Avg (%)
Bexley
15.6
19.7
16.7
19.4
22.4
-62 per cent
Greenwich
48.8
49.8
49.6
46.4
45.7
-23 per cent
Lewisham
199.4
197.1
208
217.7
202.5
2.4 times higher
Southwark
143.8
140.9
147.4
152.3
155.7
1.6 times higher
Kent
40.6
40.8
45.9
45.5
45.9
-23 per cent
Medway
75
97
102.4
102.4
111.1
86 per cent
