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London traffic congestion and premier league football matches

Author

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  • Humphreys, Brad R.
  • Tsiukes, Alexander

Abstract

This article analyzes the impact of Premier League football matches on local traffic conditions in London. Using high-frequency traffic loop detector data from 2015 and 2016, we examine changes in road speeds before, during, and after matches. Reduced form regressions show that average traffic speeds decrease by 4% on match days. Event-time analysis reveals that the largest congestion effects occur following matches, with speeds declining by 7.7% during the three hours after a match. Effects are strongest within 1 mile of stadiums and are concentrated on single-lane roads. Placebo tests 24 hours before and after matches show no significant impacts, suggesting that the observed congestion is event-driven. These results highlight the localized but substantial externalities that major sporting events impose on urban transportation networks, and suggest that policymakers should account for traffic impacts when evaluating the broader costs of professional sports facilities.

Suggested Citation

  • Humphreys, Brad R. & Tsiukes, Alexander, 2026. "London traffic congestion and premier league football matches," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 206(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:transa:v:206:y:2026:i:c:s0965856426000674
    DOI: 10.1016/j.tra.2026.104926
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • R41 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Transportation Economics - - - Transportation: Demand, Supply, and Congestion; Travel Time; Safety and Accidents; Transportation Noise
    • Z28 - Other Special Topics - - Sports Economics - - - Policy
    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes

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