CAMPAIGNERS have said they are “very pleased” to see that the amount of traffic jams in Southampton has more than halved.

New data from location technology firm TomTom has found that traffic jams in the morning and evening rush hours have reduced by 52 per cent in Southampton compared to in 2019.

During 2021 there was 35 per cent less traffic in UK towns and cities compared to two years ago.

TomTom attributed the decline in congestion to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and the growth in online shopping and has now called for “greater collaboration between UK city planners, policy makers, employers, and drivers” to change the way people commute.

But now environmental campaigners in the city have said they are “really pleased” to see traffic levels dropping “as many are able to substitute or change their daily commute.”

Alistair Chaplin from Southampton Street Space told the Echo: “We are very pleased to see that TomTom acknowledge that going forwards modal shift is the only way to truly modernise our transport system.”

The figures also showed that the UK was home to five of the world’s 100 most congested towns and cities last year, namely Edinburgh, London, Hull, Brighton and Hove and Bournemouth.

Lyn Brayshaw from Southampton Friends of the Earth, said: “Anything that encourages people to walk, cycle or scoot is important for the health of individuals, our city, and our planet.

“Of course more needs to be done. We’ll only be there once all parents feel it’s safe for children to cycle, scoot or walk to school and clubs - from anywhere in the city to anywhere else in the city.

“There needs to be zero deaths and injuries from motor traffic, including from motor traffic pollution.”