London Congestion Charge
Posted in Models, RDAG by Kate Archdeacon on December 10th, 2008
The London Congestion Charge is a fee for some motorists travelling within those parts of London designated as the Congestion Charge Zone (CCZ). The charge aims to reduce traffic congestion and improve journey times by encouraging people to choose other forms of transport if possible.
Certain motorised vehicles which drive within a clearly defined zone of central London between 7am and 6pm have to pay a daily Congestion Charge of ₤25, for a day’s use of the zone. The zone is well mapped and signposted, and was extended west in 2007. Residents of the zone are exempt from the charge.
Impetus for the introduction of the fee included the following statistics:
- London suffered the worst traffic congestion in the UK and amongst the worst in Europe
- Drivers in central London spent 50% of their time in queues
- Every weekday morning, the equivalent of 25 busy motorway lanes of traffic tried to enter central London
- It was estimated that London lost between £2-4 million every week in terms of lost time caused by congestion
The main objectives of the charge are to reduce congestion and raise funds for investment in London’s transport system. The scheme is part of a broader sustainability transport plan. Congestion pricing can only be effective when viable alternatives are made available.
From “Innovation in mobility for sustainable outcomes” case studies by Geoff Browne.