Congestion scheme passes back-to-work test
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The congestion charging scheme in London appeared to have cleared its second big hurdle yesterday when the first proper working day in the city since its introduction passed without traffic chaos.
The congestion charging scheme in London appeared to have cleared its second big hurdle yesterday when the first proper working day in the city since its introduction passed without traffic chaos.
The trouble-free start of the £5-a-day charge to enter central London last week had been attributed to the school half-term holiday, which reduces traffic by up to 20 per cent.
Some feared that problems had simply been displaced until yesterday, but traffic inside and on the edge of the zone was only marginally heavier than last week and there were no reports of jams or gridlock caused by drivers seeking alternative routes. There was no evidence of a mass switch to public transport, with both London Underground and buses reporting normal passenger levels.
Although Transport for London (TfL) stressed that drivers would take some time to settle into habits influenced by the charge, a spokesman said the organisation was "delighted'' with the way the scheme had worked so far. The number of drivers paying the charge yesterday morning was roughly the same as the previous week.
The TfL spokesman said he could not yet judge whether revenue levels from both the charge and penalties for non-payers would be sufficient to raise the estimated £130m a year towards public transport spending. Traffic levels last week of between 87,000 and 95,000 drivers paying the charge each day are well below the estimated level of about 150,000; figures for fines have not yet been released. The spokesman said: "This is not intended as a revenue-earning device, but as a traffic management measure. Any revenue is a bonus.''
The level of fines is expected to be disclosed today by Ken Livingstone, London's Mayor.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments