Figures just published by Transport for London (TfL) show that congestion in London has now reached pre-Congestion Charge levels. During the first three years of the initiative congestion fell by between 20-30% but since 2006 levels have been steadily increasing.
While TfL's figures show that 70,000 fewer vehicles each day enter the central congestion charge zone, and traffic entering the western extension is down by 14%, congestion levels for 2007-08 are now almost identical to those recorded in 2002, prior to the introduction of the charge.
TfL's monitoring report blames reductions in the road network as the reason for rising congestion. The report argues that capacity has been reduced as a result of road works associated with new utilities infrastructure, improvements to the public realm, and traffic management measures aimed at prioritising pedestrians, cyclists and public transport.
The figures provide ammunition for opponents of the scheme, particularly those who were against the introduction of last year's western extension. Edmund King, president of the AA, said: "It is disappointing that the Charge is not doing what it says on the tin, which is to reduce congestion." The figures will also give further credence to those who argue that the Charge is more of a revenue-raising exercise than a bonafide green tax.
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, stated: "I have always thought the Congestion Charge was a blunt instrument. It has proved successful in cutting traffic coming into London but on its own has not resolved the problem of congestion." Johnson has outlined a number of measures with a view to resolving the problem. He plans to re-phase traffic signals, impose penalties on utilities companies who cause delays through badly planned work, allow motorcycles to use bus lanes, and press ahead with Ken Livingstone's plans for a bike hire scheme in the capital.
TfL claim that users of the Congestion Charge zone are still receiving reductions in congestion relative to the levels that would be experienced were it not for the Charge. The report states: `By comparison with likely conditions in the absence of charging, road users in the zone might be considered to be benefiting from levels of congestion reduction.`
Malcolm Murray-Clark, Managing Director of Planning for TfL, said: "Without the Congestion Charge the traffic problems in London would be much worse. However, as a result of other interventions such as utility and construction works, the reduction in road space has had a detrimental impact on congestion levels and is slowing traffic down."
Professor Stephen Glaister, a respected transport specialist at Imperial College London, said the figures were not surprising, as levels of congestion had been creeping up for a number years. "Congestion would be a lot worse if it were not for the charge." he said.
TfL, ETA , Guardian
