An Examination of the Relationship between Traffic Congestion and Vehicle Operating Cost in Lagos State

Abstract

This study investigates the association between traffic congestion and vehicle operating costs for freight operators in Lagos State Nigeria. It showcases the importance of transport for economic activities and the role of road freight transport in improving logistics efficiency. The research is focused on the traffic congestion adverse effect on freight transportation operational costs including fuel consumption and maintenance cost. The growing population as well as vehicle numbers in cities lead to traffic jams that cause costs to increase for the freight transport sector. Existing studies have addressed congestion-related costs from a variety of perspectives, identifying considerable financial impairments for businesses. Nevertheless, there is no research to document the effect that congestion has on operating expenses for motor vehicles. The research used a purposive sampling technique to select 353 respondents from registered haulage companies in Lagos State. Survey and interview methods were used in the study while data was analyzed using Pearson's Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient, showing a notable and negative relationship between vehicle operating costs and traffic congestion. The findings demonstrate the costs incurred through efficiency losses and heightened expenses by freight operators due to traffic congestion. The study gives recommendations that policymakers and stakeholders need to be strategic in countering congestion and reducing the operational burden on freight operators, which can be useful data in research on transport challenges in urban areas with the view of improving sustainable transport system planning.