RESIDENTS in Witham are among those who are commuting more since lockdown eased.

New research revealed Witham has seen one of the biggest jumpers in the number of commuters returning to Central London since lockdown was first lifted in March.

Commuting has increased a total of 78.2 per cent, the sixth biggest jump.

The research, carried out by Huq Industries, analysed the number of week-day journeys into the capital from towns with more than 10,000 residents located within 60 miles of Greater London, covering more than 177,588 travellers.

It measured trips to the City of London and Holborn, which are home to hundreds of the capital’s office buildings and workplaces.

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Chief executive Conrad Poulson said: "Although many people are continuing to work from home, the siren call of the post-lockdown return to the office has been heard by employers and employees alike.

"Many are keen to get back to some level of normality, which includes commuting to work – even those companies that are moving towards ‘hybrid working’ models with some staff at home and some at the office.

“The Home Counties commuter belt is seeing some significant rises in outbound traffic, although it’s still not back to pre-pandemic levels.

"But as more employers re-open their offices, we could well see the rush hour on road and rail start to re-emerge.”

Here are the top ten commuter towns:

1. Horsham, West Sussex 234.2%

2. Reading, Berkshire 218.1%

3. Maidstone, Kent 91.0%

4. Minster (Swale), Kent 90.9%

5. Hastings, East Sussex 90.6%

6. Witham, Essex 78.2%

7. Saltdean/Woodingdean, East Sussex 74.2%

8. Brighton and Hove, West Sussex 62.3%

9. Bedford, Bedfordshire 54.6%

10. Eastbourne, East Sussex 50.9%