The Congestion Charge is a daily fee of £15 for driving within the Congestion Charge Zone (CCZ) between 7:00 and 18:00 on weekdays, and between 12:00 and 18:00 on weekends and bank holidays. This policy aims to reduce traffic congestion in central London.
In addition to the Congestion Charge, London enforces the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) to combat air pollution. The ULEZ operates 24/7 and covers all of Greater London as of August 2023. Vehicles that do not meet specific emissions standards are subject to a daily charge of £12.50 for most vehicle types, or £100 for heavier vehicles, when driving within the ULEZ.
Despite these measures, London remains Europe's most congested city. In 2024, drivers spent an average of 101 hours in traffic, highlighting ongoing challenges in managing urban congestion.
In other words, it has not had a significant impact on congestion or pollution.
“In other words, it has not had a significant impact on congestion or pollution.”
When was the last time you were in London? How long did you stay? I used to live in the Midlands and drive to London on the regular. I can assure you it was mind numbingly worsew before the outer ring road was included in the congestion charging. It used to take up to 3 hours to get from the greenbelt to central London you can do that now in 45 to an hour. The charging absolutely worked. Don’t be a poor and try to drive into some of the most expensive areas. That applies for London and NYC. I was in NYC three weeks ago with one of my federal level attorney we go once a month as a guys trip, work for him, play for me. The change in NYC is working you can actually drive in midtown now , for anyone other than a poor $9 is less than a single drink in NYC, parking is $75 no in and outs ,more if you valet. The added benefit is with much less traffic so UBERs show up quick,no more 30+ min wait for an UBER to creep to you,and you get right to your destination fairly quickly. I hope NYS goes right to the Supremes with a clearly winnable tenth amendment case and tells the feds to piss off.
Because it’s not and never has been about congestion pricing or pollution....it’s all about the Benjamins and people control