General Article The Congestion Charge

Topic Selected: Sustainable Transport
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The London Congestion Charge was far from universally popular when it passed into law in 2003, but despite early opposition from the Conservative Party – and even some London councils – it looks like it’s here to stay.
Introduced to reduce traffic congestion in central London and raise investment to make much-needed repairs and upgrades to the city’s transport system, the scheme has been largely hailed as a success. It’s been reported that traffic levels in the zone have dropped by around 20%, cutting air pollution, clearing routes for buses and the emergency services, and making the roads safer for London’s growing population of cyclists. Now, other large cities around the world are looking at London as a blueprint for introducing their own congestion zones.

How does the Congestion Charge work?

The Congestion Charge is a daily charge of £8 on motorists driving inside the Congestion Charge zone between 7am and 6pm, Monday to Friday. Don’t expect to see toll booths or barriers, thou...

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