Sheffield rated one of most gridlocked cities in the UK

It found that drivers in the UK's biggest towns and cities spent an average of five days stuck in traffic last year.

The UK was the second most congested country in the world, behind China, according to traffic analysts TomTom.

Researchers found Belfast had the worst congestion in the UK, with motorists facing a 43 per cent increase in travel times because of traffic jams when compared to free flowing roads.

Edinburgh and London were the next most congested cities, followed by Manchester, Brighton and Bournemouth.

Sheffield was rated as the seventh worst city in the UK for congestion.

The global study of 390 cities in 48 countries found Mexico City was the most congested, ahead of Bangkok and Jakarta.

Ralf-Peter Schaefer, vice president of TomTom Traffic, said the study was 'designed to help drivers, cities and transport planners to understand traffic congestion and, most importantly, how to reduce it'.

A Department for Transport spokeswoman said: "We are making the most extensive improvements to roads since the 1970s, investing a record £23 billion to keep our country moving and make journeys faster, better and more reliable for everyone.

"As announced in the 2016 Autumn Statement, we are also spending a further £1.3 billion over the course of this Parliament to relieve congestion and provide important upgrades to ensure our roads are fit for the future."