Istanbul: Second most stop-start traffic in the world

One of Istanbul's many titles in line with its size and complexity has been reaffirmed but this time it is bad news. According to the global Stop-Start Index, Istanbul has been placed second on the list with an average of 32,520 annual stop-starts in traffic per driver in 2014.

Istanbul was on the top of list with an average of 31,200 annual stop-starts in traffic in 2013, which was increased by 1,320 stop-starts. However, Indonesia's capital Jakarta aimed for the title and rose four ranks in the index in 2014 with 33,240 annual stop-starts.

Castrol Magnatec's research shows that the average of stop-starts increase in the winter and during downfalls. Stop-starts increase by 49 percent during rush-hours around the world.

According to the research, 18,000 and less stop-starts are considered normal. 33 out 78 cities that the research was conducted were above this average.

Thailand's capital Bangkok stood at the top of the list of idling time in traffic with 36.07 percent. 28.88 percent of total time in traffic was spent idle in Istanbul.

The list of top ten cities of the index with the most annual average stop-starts are as follows:

1) Jakarta / Indonesia : 33,240
2) Istanbul / Turkey : 32,520
3) Mexico City / Mexico : 30,840
4) Surabaya / Indonesia : 29,880
5) St. Petersburg / Russia : 29,040
6) Moscow / Russia : 28,680
7) Rome / Italy : 28,680
8) Bangkok / Thailand : 27,480
9) Guadalajara / Mexico : 24,840
10) Buenos Aires / Argentina : 23,760