Congestion Charge

Here's something I said to the French Chamber of Commerce magazine, back in 2007

Ken Livingston’s solution to congestion is to levy a poll tax, but it is short-sighted to treat London motorists as a static tax-base. In practice, the cost of the Congestion Charge is born by those who are least able to avoid it, which are businesses within Central London: their delivery fleets, their supply chain, and their staff. Those who can avoid it, such as tourists, visitors, and customers, will do so and avoid driving into London. The creation of “Fortress London” will have a detrimental effect on wealth-creation, and simply move congestion to satellite towns (creating urban sprawl and even greater demand for under-funded and over-capacity public transport.)

Comments

[Jim]

How accurate do you think that prediction has been?

[aje]

Not sure. I don't drive in London (or have a business) so I'm not directly affected. I did note that one of the justifications for the western extension was to make it harder for people avoiding the charge though.

Generally I think road pricing is a good idea, so i've got a very open mind on the issue. What's your take?

[Jim]

I'm in favour, and I think it's had positive impacts on quality of life and transport across the various modes. As for wealth creation, incomes in Inner London have risen pretty rapidly over the same period while Outer London has stagnated.