The challenge
Traffic congestion in central London was severe and getting worse.
The case
In February 2003 London introduced a £5 daily charge for driving into central London on weekdays, enforced with number-plate cameras, and spent the revenue on transport, especially buses. Traffic entering the zone fell by about 18% in the first year and congestion dropped sharply. Over the following decade congestion crept back toward earlier levels, as road space was given to buses, cycling and pedestrians and roadworks increased, though traffic volumes stayed lower.
Why the results were mixed
Road pricing works: fewer cars entered the zone. Lasting benefits depend on what cities do with the freed road space and on keeping the charge up to date.
Sources
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