Response to new Congestion Charge proposals

Responding to Transport for London’s new Congestion Charge proposals, Nick Bowes, Chief Executive, Centre for London said:

 “You can see from today’s announcement the bind City Hall finds itself in on the Congestion Charge.

“Trying to tackle congestion and generate income, yet support the revival of central London’s economy involves a tricky balancing act, but this is made all the more difficult by the Congestion Charge being an ageing and clunky technology.

“When it was first introduced, the Congestion Charge was world-leading, but its effectiveness has diminished with the pace of growth in London and changing travel patterns.

“As a matter of urgency, Transport for London should make the most of new technology and develop a simpler, smarter and fairer system of road user charging in the capital.

“It will take bold political leadership but, done properly, a smart road user charging scheme would improve air quality, promote active travel and reduce congestion, and play a key role in filling the hole in Transport for London’s budget.”