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SYDNEY - Increased traffic congestion in Sydney has cost businesses up to four hours longer on roads each week and A$20,000 ($22,925) more in annual transport costs, an NRMA survey reveals.
Fuel consumption has skyrocketed by 60 per cent and operating costs have jumped by 47 per cent for Sydney businesses.
Staff punctuality has plummeted by 42 per cent and company productivity has dropped by 33 per cent, the survey shows.
The NRMA surveyed 175 of its Businesswise members and found more than 80 per cent of businesses experienced an increase in traffic congestion over the last 12 months.
About 12 per cent of companies surveyed saw their annual operating costs increase by A$20,000 a year.
More than a quarter of businesses stated they have been forced to change their daily operations to avoid traffic congestion.
"Businesses are now starting the day earlier and finishing later so that their fleet vehicles don't get caught in traffic," NRMA director Gary Punch said in a statement.
"Others have told us that they have been forced to pass the additional cost on to their customers."
Mr Punch said the recent opening of the Lane Cove Tunnel has helped ease traffic problems.
He called for a transport corridor along Sydney's northern beaches, which would include an upgrade of local roads and an increase of public transport options.
"Sydney also needs to act now to ease traffic around Port Botany and south and southwest Sydney by completing the F6 and M4 extensions," Mr Punch said.
- AAP
