Prague’s roads are struggling under pressure like never before. Long traffic jams, frequent construction, and uncoordinated roadwork are pushing the city toward its transport limits, frustrating drivers and residents alike.

Despite assurances from Deputy Mayor for Transport Zdeněk Hřib that the traffic situation has not worsened and that drivers avoiding public transport are largely to blame, analysts point to systemic issues in the city’s planning.

Pavel Ryska of J&T Banka argues that the responsibility lies with politicians to manage the situation, rather than “wage an ideological battle with the people of Prague.”

Recent data show that time spent in traffic has surged, with increases of tens of percent compared to previous years. “The economic costs are enormous,” says Ryska.

“Lost work hours, delays to schools, hospitals, and meetings, stressed drivers, rising emissions, and slower emergency services—all are measurable impacts of gridlock.” He notes that these costs far outweigh any potential benefits of street narrowing, uncoordinated repairs, or underused bike lanes.

The city’s leadership has faced mounting criticism, especially toward Hřib, whose detractors cite poor coordination, inadequate planning, and the city’s inability to handle increasing traffic loads.

Hřib counters that drivers themselves are responsible for worsening congestion, opting for personal vehicles instead of public transport.

Dopravní zácpy v Praze jsou podle nezávislých dat nejhorší v historii a čas strávený v kolonách se meziročně zvýšil o desítky procent (pro ilustraci srovnání obrázků níže). Je s podivem, že nevznikl odhad nákladů, které kolony způsobují. Již hrubým odhadem musejí být společenské… pic.twitter.com/6NM6YdD6t7

— Pavel Ryska (@PavelRyska) November 10, 2025

Journalist Michal Půr highlighted Ryska’s analysis, emphasizing the growing economic damage. “The data clearly shows Prague traffic is collapsing. Someone should be held accountable,” Půr commented.

Barbora Koukalová, editor at Express.cz, adds her firsthand observations from the outskirts of Prague. She notes that congestion has intensified over the past two years, extending beyond peak hours and now affecting weekends as well.

“The idea that Prague has always had terrible traffic is misleading,” she says. “Even public transport is delayed due to poor traffic management. Politicians cannot dictate how people navigate the city—they must ensure all modes of transport function effectively.”

According to experts, resolving Prague’s traffic crisis requires systemic planning, better coordination of construction, and prioritizing the city’s growing mobility needs rather than focusing on ideological debates about car use.

Without these changes, drivers may continue to face daily gridlock, while the economic and social costs climb.

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