Article: London: still stuck in a jam

My recent article in spiked Environment on the Congestion Charge ties into the recent Western Extension of the charging zone.

The piece argues that the Congestion Charge doesn’t appear to be designed to reduce driving in central London during the busiest periods. At the same time as traditional ways of managing traffic congestion and flow been relegated, London is continually being made less accessible. It contends that a number of elements have been lost from London's transport policy: ambition, imagination and innovation, and humanism, and looks at the increasing tendency blame to blame drivers. Noting the lack of appreciate for the researchers, engineers, designers and craftsmen who create the automobile, it considers the consequences of presenting people as the problem. It concludes on the attack on people's living standards and freedoms represented by initiatives such as the Congestion Charge.

The piece is also documented on my site.

Comments

[Martin Cassini]

The system encourages car ownership. Residents of the congestion charging zone are unable to register as individuals, with a badge which they could switch from car to car, which would encourage hiring. No, to obtain the zone resident discount, you have to register a vehicle and prove ownership. Nor indeed does the system allow individuals to register for residents' parking! Again, you can only register a vehicle which you own. May the farce be with you!