Infrastructure Australia has warned a new wave of investment is needed to ensure roads and public transport, schools, water, electricity and health services support people's quality of life and economic productivity. (AAP Video)

Drivers in 40km/h zones are travelling faster than those with a 50km/h speed limit in peak hour as Melbourne’s congestion woes bite.

New analysis provided to the Sunday Herald Sun shows cars are crawling at an average speed of 32km/h at peak times on 50km/h streets.

Drivers in 40km/h zones recorded a faster average speed of 34km/h.

Surging traffic numbers being funnelled on to roads not built to handle massive growth are being blamed.

Intelematics chief product officer Denise Christie, whose company analysed a year’s worth of travel data from thousands of sensors on roads and vehicles, said posted speed limits were a fantasy for drivers at a standstill on clogged suburban roads.

“During the peak people in 50km/h areas have the most significant drop and travel at speeds that are just 65 per cent of the limit,” Ms Christie said.

“This data now provides a chances for local councils to look at their streets and work out what might not be working and what can be improved.

“There are a lot of different types of roads and peoples journeys are also impacted by all sorts of elements such as stop signs, frequency of traffic lights and school zones.”

Drivers were most likely to travel at the posted speed posted 6pm and 8.30pm, according to the data.

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RACV senior manager of transport Peter Kartsidimas said congestion was a symptom of a wider problem across all forms of transport.

“All of our roads, from freeways to laneways, are struggling to cope with the increasing demands of daily traffic,” Mr Kartsidimas said.

“Victoria needs a comprehensive transport plan that incorporates roads, public transport, cycling and walking.

“RACV wants greater investment and upgrades to public transport infrastructure and increased service frequency to give Victorians other options, rather than being caught in traffic.”

kieran.rooney@news.com.au

@KieranRooneyCM