Traffic congestion has become one of the main challenges affecting the sustainability and efficiency of urban mobility in major metropolitan areas. The continuous growth in private vehicle ownership, combined with limited road infrastructure and increasing travel demand, has intensified congestion levels, leading to significant economic, environmental, and social impacts.

This paper investigates the evolution of traffic congestion in Bucharest by analysing congestion indicators published in the TomTom Traffic Index for the period 2014–2024 and statistical data regarding the registered vehicle fleet. The study examines the relationship between the increase in vehicle ownership and the deterioration of traffic performance indicators, highlighting the pressure exerted on the urban road network. The results indicate a persistent high level of congestion despite variations during the COVID-19 pandemic, while the continuous expansion of the vehicle fleet has further increased travel demand.

The findings emphasize that traffic congestion is a structural urban mobility problem that cannot be addressed solely through road capacity expansion, but requires integrated transport planning measures, including improvements in public transport, sustainable mobility policies, and intelligent traffic management systems.