Transport for LondonBenefits
However, congestion would be significantly worse without the sustained traffic reductions brought about by the charge.
By law, all net revenue raised has to be invested in improving transport in London
Decreasing levels of road space in both the original charging zone and Western Extension has caused congestion to return to levels experienced before the charge was introduced.
A widespread programme of water and gas main replacement works has greatly reduced the road capacity in both zones, as have various traffic management measures to assist pedestrians and other road users.
One of the biggest current contributory factors within the Western Extension is a major property development at the Scotch House Corner junction in Knightsbridge.
By law, all net revenue raised by the charge has to be invested in improving transport in London.
Since the Congestion Charge scheme started:
- Traffic entering the original charging zone remains 21 per cent lower than pre-charge levels (70,000 fewer cars a day)
- Traffic entering the Western Extension has fallen by 14 per cent (30,000 fewer cars a day)
- There has been a six per cent increase in bus passengers during charging hours
- There has been a 12 per cent increase in cycle journeys into the Western Extension
- £137m being raised, in the financial year 2007/08, to invest back into improving transport in London
For more information please refer to the Sixth Annual Monitoring Report.
