About half of companies in Sydney have changed their business hours due to the heavy traffic in the city. Over 30 per cent also extended delivery hours to meet deadlines.

The yearly BusinessWise survey found that heavy gridlock was a major determining factor on the operating hours of Sydney businesses.

Many firms start earlier and finish later to miss the heavy traffic on Parramatta Road. Residents of eastern suburbs said they leave at about 7 a.m. but do not get back home until 8 p.m.

The motorists complained that the massive traffic jams caused more in overtime wages and fuel while they just sit for hours in gridlock, estimated by one resident at $15,000 added cost. They also pointed out that more time on the road meant less time for family life and personal pursuits.

The survey found that 47.5 per cent of 600 businesses reported extra costs of up to $5,000 and 20 per cent of them are passing the cost to consumers.

NRMA President Wendy Machin called on the Sydney government to build the city's missing links to take pressure off and make it easier for small enterprises.

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