Is there anything more soul-destroying than sitting in a traffic jam?

I doubt it.

Since I started working in Worcester I’ve experienced traffic chaos on, what feels like, a daily basis.

Every commute through the city is a lifetime of pain.

Roadworks, temporary traffic lights, a breakdown, a crash, torrential rain – anything seems to clog up the system and the roads grind to a halt.

Forget the Faithful City, it should be called the Standstill City.

On Friday it took me 45 minutes to drive from the Worcester News headquarters in Hylton Road across the road bridge, over the Cathedral island and to City Walls Road.

I could’ve walked it in about 15 minutes, run it in eight and probably even hopped it in 30.

That’s right, I’m considering hopping as a more viable transport option in Worcester than driving.

As I stared out of the window at other grumpy looking motorists in College Street - boredom and depression descending over me like a black cloud – I made a decision.

I’m going to write a Fair Point about this.

And, as an important experiment for the people of Worcester, I will document what goes through my mind while I’m stuck in a horrific traffic jam.

This is it. My guide to the five stages of the congestion blues in the Standstill City:

1. Denial – you try to stay positive. It’s fine, should clear soon, probably just a minor hold-up, you tell yourself. But you don’t really believe. Not really.

2. Stoicism – you’ve accepted the inevitable. There are delays. But it can’t hurt you. It might be fun, chilling out in the car, relaxing, unwinding. Youthcomm Radio is blasting out some obscure hits. The cathedral looks majestic, not exactly a bad view. Let’s just get through this without having a tantrum.

3. Anger – right, forget points one and two, what a load of drivel. This a total nightmare and you're ready to punch someone. If that driver pulls in from lane two and tries to cut in front of you, you can’t be held responsible for what might happen.

4. Pure Rage – you're going to hunt down the bosses at Worcestershire County Council highways department and do unspeakable things to them.

5. Remorse - you realise you might have over-reacted slightly. You're not a violent person. A strongly worded letter will suffice. And maybe a whale music CD to help you stay calmer.