London traffic jams 'just as bad' despite congestion charge » Communities » 24dash.com

Traffic jams in London are just as bad now as when the congestion charge was introduced five years ago, official figures out today showed.

The number of cars daily coming into the original charging zone and into the western extension has dipped, Transport for London (TfL) statistics revealed.

But widespread streetworks and traffic management schemes have greatly reduced the road capacity in both zones and this has resulted in congestion returning to levels experienced before the charge was brought in.

London Mayor Boris Johnson said today that he had asked TfL to accelerate the delivery of his plans to improve traffic flow.

These include allowing motorbikes to ride in bus lanes, rephasing traffic signals and cracking down on delay-causing streetworks by utilities.

The TfL report said that traffic in central London was 21% lower than pre-charge levels and traffic entering the western extension (introduced a year ago) was 14% down.

Mr Johnson said today: "I have always thought that the congestion charge is a blunt instrument. It has proved successful in cutting traffic coming into London but on its own has not resolved the problem of congestion. Various works and schemes going on in the capital have also eroded its impact.

"I am therefore introducing a more comprehensive approach to easing congestion in London, one that gives greater consideration to how all transport measures impact on the movement of traffic on our roads."

TfL's planning managing director Malcolm Murray-Clark, said: "Without the congestion charge the traffic problems in London would be much worse. However, as a result of other interventions such as utility and construction works, the reduction in road space has had a detrimental impact on congestion levels and is slowing traffic down."

The congestion charge generated provisional net revenues of £137 million in 2007/08 which will be spent on further improvements to transport across London.

The AA said TfL's report showed some success at reducing traffic and improving public transport.

AA public affairs head Paul Watters added: "However, with congestion now back to pre-charging levels in the congestion charging zone, a £131 million annual running cost and reliance on £73 million penalty charge income, the scheme represents poor value for money for drivers.

"While the 'good works' funded using income from the scheme are to be welcomed, London drivers may be wondering where their motoring and council taxes are going with the revenue from charging now funding road maintenance, safety schemes and cycling initiatives."

A spokesman for business group London First said: "It's encouraging to see the new Mayor grasping the nettle on this crucial issue. Business supported the original congestion charge due to its benefits - congestion costs London £1.6 billion every year.

"We are disappointed that despite no increase in traffic, congestion has been allowed to drift back to pre-charging levels. If London is not to let congestion get the better of us, the Mayor must make it a top priority and restore conditions in the zone to those seen on day one of the original charge."

Colin Stanbridge, chief executive of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: "London motorists are being asked to pay for a benefit they are no longer receiving.

"Businesses in particular will find today's figures worrying, because for many firms the congestion charge has pushed up costs or drove away trade. They will be now asking with good reason why their business is suffering. We need an urgent, independent and comprehensive review of the congestion charge and how it affects companies across the capital."