Transport for London’s Fourth Annual Report
Transport for London regularly monitors the effects of the charge amongst different aspects. In June 2006 they released the latest results from their monitoring.
The main objective of the congestion charge will always be perceived as being implemented to reduce congestion in the area. The fourth annual report stated that congestion had reduced in the charging areas by an average of 26% [2].
The report confirmed that, in co-ordnance with the outline plan of the charge, net revenues have increased thanks to the charge. In the 2005/06 financial year provisional figures showed generation of £122m [2]. TfL (Transport for London) also confirmed that much of the revenue was spent on improving bus services in the area. This also complies with the transport strategy submitted by the Mayor in July 2001.
With regards to whether a congestion charge would benefit business efficiency is a difficult matter to argue. What can be considered to make a business more efficient? There are certainly many groups who would disagree. However this will be discussed later. The report [3] says that: “businesses performance in the charging zone was significantly better than the rest of London, particularly in terms of profitability and productivity.” Although the overall performance might be better it can’t be said that this applies to every business in the zone.
There are also several things stated in the outline plans for the charge which can’t be measured. How can figures be used to show that London has become a more pleasant place since the charge has been in effect? This is something that monitoring reports can’t keep track of.
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References:
[2]: Transport for London, Central London Congestion Charging
Impacts Monitoring
Fourth Annual Report 2006
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/cclondon/pdfs/FourthAnnualReportFinal.pdf
Page 2
[3]: Transport for London, Central London Congestion Charging
Impacts Monitoring
Fourth Annual Report 2006
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/cclondon/pdfs/FourthAnnualReportFinal.pdf
Page 5
