Which term defines the issue of overcrowded roads causing delays in urban areas?

The term "traffic congestion" specifically refers to the scenario where roadways are overcrowded, leading to delays and a significant slowing of vehicle movement within urban areas. This issue typically arises when the volume of vehicles exceeds the capacity of the road infrastructure, resulting in a buildup of cars and slower travel times. Traffic congestion is a common urban challenge that impacts not only commuters but also the overall efficiency of transportation systems, leading to increased travel times, air pollution, and sometimes economic losses due to inefficiencies.

In contrast, the other terms do not adequately capture this specific phenomenon. Sanitation relates to the management of waste and cleanliness in urban settings, public transport refers to the systems available for mass transit like buses and trains, and slums denote areas of poor housing and living conditions. Each of these concepts addresses different aspects of urban environments, but they do not pertain to the specific issue of road delays caused by excess vehicles.