I had to drive to London today, for reasons I won't bore you with, though it's just as well I didn't want to go by train as our little bit of snow yesterday has apparently brought the Tunbridge Wells line to a standstill. The thing that struck me was the level of congestion. It seems to have returned to pre-congestion charge levels. Maybe it was just because it was a rainy day. I've thought previously that traffic levels seem to be increasing again, but today seemed to prove it. No doubt Mr Livingstone will soon think about another hefty increase to sting us even more, although it won't appear in his 2008 re-election manifesto. It'll also be interesting to see what effect the proposed extension of the charging zone to Chelsea and Kensington has on people's voting habits.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Is the Congestion Charge Effect Wearing Off?
I had to drive to London today, for reasons I won't bore you with, though it's just as well I didn't want to go by train as our little bit of snow yesterday has apparently brought the Tunbridge Wells line to a standstill. The thing that struck me was the level of congestion. It seems to have returned to pre-congestion charge levels. Maybe it was just because it was a rainy day. I've thought previously that traffic levels seem to be increasing again, but today seemed to prove it. No doubt Mr Livingstone will soon think about another hefty increase to sting us even more, although it won't appear in his 2008 re-election manifesto. It'll also be interesting to see what effect the proposed extension of the charging zone to Chelsea and Kensington has on people's voting habits.
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7 comments:
Ian,
I take it you haven't seen tonights Evening Standard, which as a photograph of Trafalgar Square at 9 am, virtually deserted of cars, showing how well the Congestion charge is working.
I'm sure Ken will do what he has always done and plug the congestion charge as much as possible in his re-election campaign. He knows it's a winner with the voters.
Anon,
9am... on a Sunday. Not to mention that the top half of the square by the National Portrait Gallery has been pedestrianised and there are road works down by Westminster Square which the sat navs avoid. Oh yes, and the picture is cleverlky positioned so it could have been taken between the light changes before cars come into shot. The picture doesn't prove how well the congestion charge is working at all. Try walking down The Strand, Charing Cross Road or Cockspur at 9am and you'll see just how well it isn't making a difference. Of course, stupidly long "bendy buses" don't help either.
Iain, I work in Hammermsith, the traffic is a nightmare. If the zone is extended it will make Hammersmith even worse. I think we'll win Hammersmith and Fulham on May 4th though so there will be storng opposition to it being extended.
anyone who uses public transport knows that things have improved immeasurably since the congestion charge.
i take it critics are arguing for the charge to be scrapped. care to suggest an alternative that will cut congestion?
I use public transport everyday. My bus journey is blughted by congestion and is no faster than before the congestion charge.
Being critical does not also mean that you are arguing for the charge to be scrapped. From my point of view I was merely pointing out the absurdity of your comment (assuming you are the same anon) that a single picture is proof of the roaring success of the charge in tackling congestion. It isn't and it isn't.
Be fair. 'This week' has an ex-Conservative who hates the Conservatives and a current Labour MP who hates Labour.
That's pretty balanced.
Your evidence overwhelms me.
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