The M62 motorway

[ixychip1001A]

On the M62 Motorway in the North West, when driving a car, Why does it take me an hour to drive from North Manchester to Leeds in the morning, but only half an hour for the return journey?

[dzug]

If you look out of your car when you are driving the answer will be only too obvious.

[ixychip1001A]

Why is it obvious?

Its exactly the same distance and during the rush hour with the same volume of traffic!

[jno]

nonetheless, the traffic must be going more slowly. Perhaps there are more exits along the way (people slow down a bit to leave the motorway)? Perhaps people leave home at a wider range of times in the morning, maybe because of parking problems, but all leave work at once because they know there will be parking at home? Sometimes people go more slowly if there's sun in their eyes - but that ought to apply to your return journey, and obviously doesn't.

[jno]

no, hang on, the bit about parking's the wrong way round, sorry.

[ixychip1001A]

I know!

It dosnt make any sense does it?
Me and my colleagues have been trying to work it out and we are all stumped.

The traffic is much slower on the outward journey but with no obvious reason ie accidents or roadworks.....maybe people are asleep at the wheel in the morning!!!

[dzug]

Maybe the answer is that there is heavy traffic ahead of you (ie beyond your turning for Manchester) in the morning that slows your section down but that east of Leeds is fairly clear in the evening.