The rock concert linked to Scotland's worst road congestion in 2025
A rock concert has been linked to the city’s worst day for congestion last year.
Edinburgh has been named as the UK’s second most congested city - with a rock concert linked to the worst day for drivers around the capital in 2025.
Average congestion increased to 57.9 per cent in 2025 - 0.7 percentage points higher than the previous year - according to traffic information firm TomTom.
Cogestion rates were measured by comparing travel times over the year with periods of free-flowing traffic - so journey times in the city were nearly 60 per cent longer than when there was no congestion.
TomTom said August 21 was the capital’s most congested day last year, with a level of 78.1 per cent, which it linked to the AC/DC concert at Murrayfield Stadium.
Edinburgh was second worst for congestion after Belfast, with Glasgow - the only other Scottish city measured - the 30th worst, although its congestion increased by 3 points to 45 per cent.
It took an average of 32 minutes 5 seconds for a 10km (6.2 miles) drive in Edinburgh, the same as in 2024.
In Glasgow, 10km journeys took an average of 20 minutes 4 seconds - 39 seconds longer than in 2024.
The most congested day last year in Scotland’s biggest city was December 17, at 69 per cent, which TomTom attributed to a crash on the M74.
Scotland-based road safety consultant Neil Greig said the figures, published on Wednesday, showed public transport in the capital was not attractive enough.
He said: “Despite improvements to the tram system, it’s clear drivers simply aren’t tempted by the public transport alternatives on offer.
“Until planners in all our major urban areas target drivers with bus and active travel options that can match the comfort and security of a car, slow travel will continue to be an issue.
“Congestion is synonymous with a successful city so improving traffic flow to minimise pollution should be a top priority rather than bans and restrictions.”
Sustainable transport campaigners Transform Scotland public affairs manager Laura Hyde-White said: “Everyone loses out from congestion. Drivers in both Edinburgh and Glasgow are losing 80+ hours in rush hour traffic each year. Meanwhile, traffic increases collisions and noise pollution for everyone else.
"The good news is that both Edinburgh and Glasgow remain committed to cutting traffic by 30%. Efficient public transport is crucial to unclog our streets.
“Given that one bus can take up to 75 cars off the road, we’re pleased to see a new £60 million commitment to bus infrastructure announced in last week’s Scottish Budget."
Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at The AA motoring group, said: “More focus is needed to alleviate pressure at well know hotspots and pinch points.”
Philip Gomm, of the RAC Foundation motoring research group, said: “Much of the traffic will comprise buses, taxis, delivery lorries and vans - vehicles which the economy relies on.
“The challenge is to make these as green as possible and to keep them moving.”
City of Edinburgh Council transport convener Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “Our city is too congested. This is why it’s more important than ever that we continue to invest in and encourage sustainable forms of transport.
“We’ve seen consistent annual increases in patronage across trams and buses, with 2025 figures being almost back at pre-pandemic levels - and we have consulted on expansion of the tram network
“Simply creating more road space is short sighted, finite, and counterproductive.”
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