Driving speeds on Melbourne's inner freeways during the morning rush are now slower than 10 years ago, a report reveals.
VicRoads figures show the average morning speed on inner freeways is 45kmh, representing a drop of 23kmh.
There is no relief heading to work earlier as the morning peak traffic period is now an hour longer than it was a decade ago.
VicRoads said the increasing length of peak periods was an indication of growing congestion on the roads.
"As traffic demand continues to increase, evidenced by continuing growth in vehicle kilometres travelled, the capacity of the road system is exceeded for longer periods each day, resulting in the extension of peak traffic periods," the latest VicRoads Traffic Monitor said.
The Bolte Bridge and the Eastern Freeway inbound near Hoddle St are the traffic hotspots to avoid with average speeds slowing to less than 20kmh during the morning rush.
With growing congestion, many commuters are looking to alternative forms of transport to get to work with increases in bus, tram and bicycle usage.
Despite incentives such as car pooling lanes, Victorians increasingly prefer a solitary drive to work as car occupancy rates fell 4.9 per cent over the past 10 years.
