Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
488042267_0d517c6b6b.jpg

From the newsletter of the Tri-State Transportation Campaign comes an inspiring summation of the effects of congestion pricing in London since the program's inception in 2003, gleaned from Transport for London's annual report:

    • Traffic levels in central London were about 20% lower in 2006 than in 2002, the year before pricing began.
    • Bicycle use in central London rose 43% in the same time period.
    • Since the implementation of the plan, congestion has been about 30% lower than it would be under a "without congestion pricing" scenario.
    • Traffic on major roads in neighborhoods directly outside of the pricing zone has decreased each year since the implementation of congestion pricing.
    • The central London economy has outperformed London's economy as a whole since the implementation of congestion pricing. While this cannot be attributed to congestion pricing, given the many other factors affecting the economy, there is no evidence to suggest that congestion pricing has hurt business in central London.

The TSTC also makes a good point about how well the folks over in the UK handled the public-relations aspect of traffic policy:

City officials, take note: Transport for London used a 14-month, three-stage multimedia campaign to explain the nuances of congestion pricing--how charges were paid, how exemptions could be applied for, and so on. Today, London still uses advertisements to raise awareness of the plan's benefits.

Photo: Laura Callan/Flickr

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Helicopter Deaths, Fast and Slow

Choppers harm us. Suddenly but also steadily.

April 17, 2025

The Dave Colon Challenge: Brad Lander Has Fought The Battles

The City Comptroller and would-be mayor becomes the first candidate to take Streetsblog's quadrennial challenge.

April 17, 2025

Thursday’s Headlines: Get Your Tickets to Honor Public Space Heroes Edition

Don't miss an event that honors the people behind our city’s defining public spaces. Plus other news.

April 17, 2025

Brooklyn DA Lays Out Why Roads Are Unsafe

Miriam Yarimi, the known recidivist speeder who is charged with killing Natasha Saada and her two daughters last month, pleaded not guilty on Wednesday and was denied bail.

April 16, 2025

Map Quest: Meet The City’s Most Dangerous Drivers (And Where They’re Preying On You)

A map of the city's most reckless drivers shows how prolific the problem of super-scofflaws is in the five boroughs.

April 16, 2025
See all posts