Archived press release

London congestion charge cuts traffic

6 June 2003

The success of congestion charging in London, shown in figures released today by Transport for London, should show the way for other towns and cities, says Friends of the Earth.

Transport for London's figures show:

• traffic levels inside the congestion charging zone have fallen by 16%.
• the average speed of traffic within the zone has risen by 37%, compared to the same period last year

Commenting on the results, Friends of the Earth's London Campaigns Co-ordinator Jenny Bates said:

"Congestion charging is working, which is great news for London. The predicted initial chaos didn't happen, and after three months, the signs are positive. The Government and Tory party should now give their backing to this scheme which is delivering real benefits for Londoners".

The Mayor should now extend congestion charging to help solve traffic problems across the whole of London, rather than proposing damaging schemes such as the 6-lane Thames Gateway road bridge in East London which will generate more traffic and pollution."

Friends of the Earth's Transport Campaigner Tony Bosworth added:

"Towns and cities across the country can take heart from the early successes in London, and have the courage to introduce charging schemes in their areas too. London's experiences should also encourage the Government to be more positive about charging drivers for using congested roads as part of tackling Britain's transport problems".

The Government has ruled out road-user charging nationwide before the end of the decade, but Transport Secretary Alistair Darling is under pressure to clarify the position following reports from Government-sponsored studies looking at key transport problem areas saying that charging is needed to tackle traffic growth.

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust