The length and duration of traffic jams rose 10.6% in 2007, according to the traffic information service VID on Wednesday. Compared to five years ago, the increase is 40%, says the VID.

In total 72 million hours were wasted as a result of traffic jams last year resulting in a direct economic loss of over €1m for the first time, says the VID.
The evening rush hour (which accounts for 75% of traffic jams) started earlier, lasted longer and was more congested in 2007, the VID reports.
As in 2006, the top two traffic hot spots last year were the bridge over the Oude Rijn at Zoeterwoude-Rijndijk on the A4 motorway and the Coen tunnel on the Amsterdam ring road.
The third most congested location (moving up from 12th place in 2006) was the A2 motorway between Utrecht and Den Bosch.