Traffic congestion is continuing to add pressure to Sydney fleet operators, with new industry research showing worsening delays are increasing fuel use, operating costs and lost time across the city.
The latest annual congestion survey from the National Roads and Motorists’ Association (The NRMA) found 78 per cent of fleet-running businesses believe congestion has worsened over the past year. More than half of respondents said their vehicles are now spending an additional 20 to 30 minutes in traffic each day compared with a year ago.
The survey, now in its 18th year, gathered responses from 444 NRMA Business members operating fleets across Sydney.
Fuel and operating costs under pressure
Congestion-related fuel consumption emerged as the top concern for businesses, with 64 per cent of respondents saying traffic delays are increasing fuel use. Time spent searching for parking and higher toll costs were also identified as major operational impacts.
Fuel prices remain the largest cost pressure overall for fleet-running businesses, ahead of registration, insurance, maintenance and servicing expenses.
NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury said businesses were facing growing operational strain from both traffic conditions and fuel volatility.
“We know businesses are doing it tough right now and Sydney’s traffic congestion combined with the worst fuel prices on record is creating a nightmare for small businesses,” Mr Khoury said.
Businesses adapting operations
Many organisations are already changing how they operate to manage delays. Half of surveyed businesses said they are allowing more time for deliveries and service callouts, while others are adjusting routes or moving appointments outside peak periods.
More than 80 per cent of Sydney respondents said their fleets use toll roads, with WestConnex, the M8 and the M7 identified as providing the greatest time-saving benefits.
Western Sydney remains a key challenge
Western Sydney was again identified as the city’s most congested region for fleet operators.
Businesses in the area also reported challenges linked to road closures and altered traffic conditions associated with light rail construction, with 37 per cent citing disruptions to daily operations.
Calls for more investment
The NRMA is urging governments to continue investing in transport infrastructure as congestion pressures intensify.
“The Federal and State Governments will soon be delivering their 2027 budgets and the NRMA will be looking for further commitments to keep our city moving,” Khoury said.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy so it is critical government continues to invest in significant roads as well as public transport infrastructure to allow businesses to grow and create more jobs.”
Mr Khoury said major projects had improved travel conditions in some areas but argued more attention was needed on local bottlenecks.
“It is pleasing to see businesses are utilising new infrastructure like Westconnex and the M8, saving time for businesses while also taking traffic off already congested local roads,” he said.
“Sydney has done a great job tackling the big infrastructure challenges, however what this research shows us is that we need to keep investing in the local traffic hotspots, which are increasingly holding up our city.”
The NSW Government invested more than $41 million into congestion reduction projects this year through its Pinch Point program, while the Federal Government committed more than $130 million between 2020 and 2024.
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