Kiev: traffic jams and how to avoid them

According to the global rating compiled by the TomTom Traffic Index, the capital of Ukraine in 2020 ranked third in Europe and 12 in the world in terms of traffic jams. The main reason for this was the love of the people of Kiev to travel by their own vehicles. According to experts, 90% of motorists use private cars, while in Europe this figure reaches only 30-50%. In addition, there are now about 300 units of transport per 1000 people, but by 2025 this number will grow to 500.

Like any other city, Kiev is designed for a certain throughput (500,000 vehicles maximum), but about a million cars leave the roads and their number is constantly growing. Sooner or later, the authorities will have to severely limit the number of vehicles in the central regions, following the example of many European countries, or increase taxes for private motorists. This will entail an increase in the popularity of such services as car rental in the center of Kiev.

The largest congestions of cars in Kiev

The rapid increase in the number of cars leads to the appearance of huge, many hours of congestion. Of course, we are still far from New York or Mumbai, but getting around the streets is becoming more and more difficult. Among the most problematic places in the capital are:

• bridges – this is due to miscalculations in urban planning and infrastructure, when people live on one bank and work on the other and have to cross the river every day. Large traffic flows contribute to the formation of congestion. Of course, such a situation is not everyday and some bridges can still be crossed, but it is better to have a spare time;
• Teligi street towards Dorohozhichi metro station — the traditional place of occurrence of the largest traffic jams on the Right Bank, regardless of the season;
• Kurenevka area – daily morning (towards the Center) and evening (back) traffic jams;
• Victory Avenue – on one of the longest highways in Kiev, excessive congestion of cars is becoming a sad tradition.

Experts associate one of the reasons for this situation with the so-called development according to the Athenian Charter. This is the principle of urban planning, according to which a person lives and rests in one part of the city, and works in another. However, due to the slow development of public transport and the short-sighted car-centric politics, people are forced to spend most of their time on the road. While the authorities are trying to solve the problem by not always popular and understandable methods, a car rental in Kiev, located at key points, which can be reached by municipal transport, may become the way out.

How to avoid traffic jams

Kiev mayors honestly admit that the city is on the verge of a transport collapse and predict further deterioration of the situation. In order not to stand in kilometer-long traffic jams, you can use the rental service in the desired area, having reached it by metro or tram.

There are several options to cheat fate , avoiding agonizing waiting. For example, consider:

• days of the week & ndash; Friday evening, Sunday and Monday morning stimulate the people of Kiev to leave the city or, on the contrary, return to it. Therefore, the occurrence of traffic congestion at all entrances and exits is almost inevitable;
• weather conditions & ndash; rain or snow worsens an already difficult situation, plus the likelihood of an accident increases, especially in narrow streets;
• place of work – think, is it really so comfortable to spend hours every day to move from one coast to another;
• numerous interactive services & ndash; some smartphone apps display idle traffic lights, accidents and road works;
• the onset / end of the summer cottage season – this time is not in vain recognized as the most difficult time for motorists. Although advanced summer residents have already appreciated the minibus rental service in places of departure from Kiev;
• a combination of routes & ndash; use different types of transport in different parts of the city.

Good planning will help reduce travel time. So, in the period from 7.00-10.00 and from 17.00 to 19.00, the maximum number of vehicles accumulates on the streets. It is worth a little wait and the highways will become freer.

If you are not at all lucky and you are stuck, spend your time usefully: listen to audiobooks, start learning a foreign language, cleaning the salon with your favorite music, make the necessary calls. If everyone around stood up for a long time, turn off the engine, this will help the ecology of the city. Electric cars rented from NarsCars will also help to minimize harmful emissions.

Tips for newbies on the roads of Kiev

Obtaining a driver's license & ndash; one of the most exciting events in a person's life. The ability to independently drive a car symbolizes a kind of independence and brings a lot of positive impressions. However, excessive carelessness and premature self-confidence threaten with serious problems not only for the beginner himself, but also for other participants in the movement. Let us give you some advice:

• focus on timely compliance with traffic rules, act confidently and stay in the general flow;
• before the trip, study the route on the map and start with short distances, you do not need to immediately go to the center clogged with cars;
• try to get a feel for your car and its dimensions;
• if you are a guest of the city and are afraid to get behind the wheel in person, the service Rent a car at a railway station in Kiev is available; with an experienced driver from Kiev;
• try to adequately respond to any emerging situations and keep to the middle band – this will not only provide yourself with room for maneuver, but also will not create obstacles to other cars.

Remember, city roads are not a sports track. If you do not have enough adrenaline, you can take advantage of a special car playground.

Treat other drivers in a friendly way, learn to think not only about yourself, but also about other road users. And no matter how trite it is, be mutually polite!