Why paying to drive could be our eco-friendly future

In 2003, the then Mayor of London issued a “City Congestion Charge”; drivers that wished to pass into or through Central London would be obligated to pay a fee. It has now been 21 years, and the scheme has only grown bigger. 

 

What is congestion charge?

Between the hours of 7:00 and 18:00 on weekdays, and 12:00 and 18:00 on weekends, drivers heading into or through Central London must pay £15. This was in an attempt to reduce traffic and extensive congestion during the busiest times of the day; it is thought that the average London driver spends around 149 hours stuck in gridlock every year. 

This plan yielded fantastic results:           

  •    Congestion was reduced by 30%
  •    10% of journeys switched to more sustainable methods, such as cycling and public transport
  •    The number of fatal accidents was reduced by 46 every year

But while the congestion charge was originally introduced to regulate blockages on roads and streets, deeper analysis revealed that the environment benefited from the charges, too:

  •    The air was noticeably cleaner and less polluted
  •    Decreased noise pollution allowed more wildlife to settle in
  •    More low emissions transportation was frequented

It was an opportunity to make an impact on the climate crisis for good. 

Difference between "congestion charge" and ULEZ

The “Ultra Low Emissions Zone” is a more recent project, first set up in 2019, and built upon CCZ. Unlike the congestion charge, the ULEZ would operate 24/7, and the cost would be £12.50.

All vehicles that were not electric, produced 75g/km or less of CO2, or whose owners were exempt from charge, would have to pay both the CCZ and ULEZ fees.                                         

The zone expansion in 2021 to cover many boroughs in Outer London saw 23,000 tonnes of CO2 saved and harmful NO2 levels 46% lower in the bustling roads of Central London.

The last extension that reached out to all the counties took place in 2023; that year marked the first recorded where the toxic concentration in the air didn't exceed the recommended level. 

 

Social Impacts of CCZ

  •    The switch from cars and vans to bikes and walking has improved both physical and mental health. Studies          witnessed 22.5% and 6.5% reductions in the number of health conditions and anxiety respectively. 
  •    Dirty air was linked with many diseases, including dementia and prevention in the growth of children's lungs.
  •    It was estimated that before the introduction of CCZ, around 4,000 Londoners would die prematurely every year due to poor air quality. 
  •    Less pedestrian and driver fatalities on main roads from traffic.

Economic Impacts of CCZ

  •    Prior to CCZ, it was inferred that an annual £4.9 billion was lost because of traffic jams, and consequent tardiness.
  •    Road blockage often is the lead cause of loss of working hours, which creates a decline in the country's economy.
  •    Additionally, energy and fuel and consumption decreased greatly too, with less cars, vans, and motorcycles travelling through London.

       We at Prime Lane prioritise the delivery of your items, in top condition and for the                             cheapest prices.

       We strive to use the most eco-friendly transport method available; for smaller                                   shipments, we have electric vans and bikes, and for larger ones, they'll travel in a Euro 6                   diesel van. 

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