Reading is among the ten most frustrating places to drive in the UK.

The study, conducted by car insurance experts at Marshmallow, ranked Reading as the seventh most frustrating place for drivers, with only Bradford, Wolverhampton, Swindon, Oxford, St Albans, and Peterborough faring worse.

Researchers assessed key metrics such as number of parking spaces, average commute times, fuel costs, vehicle expenses and the availability of electric vehicle (EV) chargers to determine the rankings.

In Reading, the average car costs over £26,366. While the town has a relatively high density of EV chargers—159 per 100,000 residents—it has no NCP car parks, which typically allow drivers to obtain a ticket upon entry and pay later.

Other cities in the top 10 include Leeds, Middlesbrough, and Huddersfield. Bradford topped the list as the most frustrating city to drive in, with an average commute time of 44 minutes and just 39 EV chargers. Reading’s average commute time of 36 minutes is notably high given the town’s size.

In contrast, Manchester was identified as the most driver-friendly city in the UK. Despite its longer commutes and higher car prices, Manchester offers the most parking spaces and EV chargers, with 63 chargers per 100,000 people.

In summary, Reading ranked seventh on the list of the UK’s most frustrating cities to drive in, with an overall score of 2.70 out of 10.

It’s disappointing to see Reading ranked among the ten most frustrating places to drive in the UK. This unfortunate distinction highlights the ongoing challenges that drivers face, from lengthy commute times to a lack of adequate parking options. For a town with such a rich history and vibrant community, it’s frustrating that these persistent issues are not being adequately addressed, making daily commutes and travel a source of stress rather than convenience for its residents.

In the wake of recent far-right riots in the UK, it’s more important than ever to highlight stories that celebrate unity, acceptance, and the richness that diversity brings to our communities. Today, we are excited to share an inspiring video from Darren, a resident of Reading, who beautifully illustrates how embracing cultural diversity has profoundly enriched his life. Through his experiences, Darren shows us that our differences are not something to fear, but rather something to cherish and learn from. Join us in listening to his heartfelt message about the power of diversity to build stronger, more compassionate communities.

The council’s announcement has been met with widespread disappointment and concern. For many, this decision represents the worst-case scenario, as tenants now face the daunting prospect of vacating their homes at the end of their tenancies. The council’s communication of this decision has been criticized for lacking empathy, leaving residents feeling unsupported and overlooked during a challenging time.

One resident Raven Lee expressed their dismay, stating, “I am distraught with this decision, which has been communicated to us with little to no empathy from the council. I’m sure I speak for the other tenants when I say this news is devastating for all of us.” The sentiment reflects a shared frustration among the affected residents, who now face the challenge of finding new housing amidst an already strained market.

A petition against the council’s eviction plans has garnered 1,156 signatures, reflecting strong community opposition. Despite this considerable effort, it was not enough to prevent the council from proceeding with their initial plans.

As the affected families prepare for an uncertain future, the community continues to rally around the cause, urging the council to reconsider its decision. The situation has underscored the importance of treating people with dignity and respect, rather than reducing them to mere statistics in financial calculations.