Stagecoach West has urged politicians to put buses at the heart of their plans to tackle traffic congestion and improve local air quality in Gloucestershire.

The transport company has written to local politicians - including MPs and local councillors - to warn of the worrying impact of congestion and to give examples of the ways in which this growing problem is affecting local bus customers every day.

Nationwide research showed that the direct and indirect costs of congestion to all UK motorists amounted to over £37.7 billion in 2017, an average of £1,168 per driver, with drivers spending an average of 31 hours a year in congestion during peak hours.

Stagecoach's own research has also shown the extent of the problem. For example during the past 10 years the following routes have seen an increase in journey times:

Gloucester - Hucclecote - Cheltenham - 34 per cent increase in journey time - four extra buses used

Cheltenham - Gloucester - 60 per cent increase in journey time - five extra buses used

Gloucester - Cinderford - Coleford - 26 per cent increase in journey time - one extra bus used

Gloucester - Ross-on-Wye - 80 per cen increase in journey time - one extra bus used

Dursley - Stroud - 32 per cent increase in journey time - one extra bus used

Swindon - Oxford - 35 per cent increase in journey time - two extra buses used

Chippenham - Swindon - 50 per cent increase in journey time - two extra buses used

Swindon - Highworth - 26 per cent increase in journey time - two extra buses used

 Stagecoach West managing director Rupert Cox said: "This is not specifically about Stagecoach, or any other bus company - it's about the impact of congestion on bus passengers and other road users in the area and the situation simply cannot continue if we are to continue improving the local bus network and improving the local environment.

"Our passengers are paying the price for short-sighted policies that have led us to this point - we urgently need politicians to take practical action to get our towns and cities moving again.

"Buses are key to delivering this - effective bus networks can boost the local economy, improve traffic flow, reduce air pollution and help improve air quality. We are playing our part by investing in improvements for customers including in digital technology, new routes and new vehicles, but we need politicians to play their part to help buses flourish. All of the tools exist for them to take action now."

Traffic congestion significantly impacts bus customers in a number of ways, including journey times, reliability, satisfaction levels and the cost of their ticket.

Stagecoach has revealed that a 10 per cent decrease in operating speed leads to an eight per cen rise in operating costs - and, despite the company's attempts to protect customers as much as possible, these increased costs invariably push prices up for passengers. This can lead to fewer people taking the bus, potentially resulting in even more cars on the road.

In its letter, Stagecoach has offered to meet with elected members to talk through the local issues, traffic hotspots and potential solutions, including changes that can be made to road infrastructure and layout, traffic management systems and priority schemes.

For more information about Stagecoach UK Bus visit www.stagecoachbus.com