C-Charge Has Not Cut Congestion

New report shows gridlock in London the same as before the Congestion Charge

By Oli S / Wednesday, 6 August 2008 / Loading comments

The Congestion Charge is failing to reduce gridlock afterTransport for London admitted the streets were as packed as ever. Now pedestrian schemes are expected to be axed to fight the growing congestion and there could be shorter crossing times at traffic lights.

Boris Johnson, the London Mayor, said this morning that he would take action against roadworks and let motorbuikes use bus lanes. Critics of the C-Charge will welcome TfL's latest reports and will argue that the scheme was nothing more than a money making system. There has apparently been no improvement to gridlock in the western extension zone and the main area is as bad as it was when the charge was introduced in February 2003.

Johnson said: 'I have always thought that the congestion charge is a blunt instrument. It has proved successful in cutting traffic coming into London but on its own has not resolved the problem of congestion. Various works and schemes going on in the capital have also eroded its impact. I am therefore introducing a more comprehensive approach to easing congestion in London.'