Autocar Reveals The Great Congestion Charge Con

Congestion charging is not the answer to Britain’s traffic problems and it probably never will be, says Autocar magazine.

While the population of Edinburgh is currently voting on whether to adopt congestion charging, and other cities are considering similar schemes, Autocar reveals that after two years of charging in London it has failed to meet its financial objectives. It has also failed to generate promised investment in public transport and damaged businesses within the charging zone.

Autocar news editor Hilton Holloway said: ‘The truth is that London’s congestion charging has proved exceptionally controversial and not only for the claimed complexity and inaccuracy of its operation. The reality of congestion charging has been one of missed targets, financial shortfalls, spin and broken promises.’

Transport for London forecast at the launch of the capital’s scheme that annual income from congestion charging would raise £135m per year. The actual income is almost half of that forecast at £70m.

Meanwhile, this year £500m will be needed to prop up London’s expanded bus service and businesses within the zone that are suffering:

• 37 per cent of businesses in the zone have let staff go*
• 84 per cent report that takings are down*
• 28 per cent are actively considering closing or moving*

Holloway said: ‘London’s Congestion Charge experiment proves that motorists will never to able to cross-subsidise public transport, and allowing motorists to drive closer to shopping areas can generate substantial income. If a road or area becomes too expensive, drivers will take their custom elsewhere. That’s the great thing about personal mobility, as London’s out-of-town shopping malls have found to their benefit.’

Figures provided by the London Chamber of Commerce*