flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Congestion pricing for cars is effective in reducing traffic, but a difficult sell

Codes and Standards

Congestion pricing for cars is effective in reducing traffic, but a difficult sell

After three years, traffic congestion declined by 30% in London.


By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor | June 12, 2018
The River Thames in London
The River Thames in London

After some initial opposition, residents of London, England have gotten used to congestion pricing for cars—and the reduced traffic that has resulted.

London's plan initially faced opposition and a legal challenge, but its success has led to widespread acceptance. Many drivers took to traveling at off-peak hours, carpooling, or taking transit after the initiative went into effect.

Between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays, drivers entering a 21-square-kilometer zone in Central London are charged $20. The city offers discounts or exemptions for zone residents, people with disabilities, emergency vehicles, motorcycles, and taxis.

Within three years, traffic fell by 15% and congestion—the extra time to make a trip because of impeded traffic flow—was reduced by 30%. Noting the success of congestion pricing in London and other cities including Stockholm, cities worldwide including Singapore, New York, and Vancouver have implemented or are considering congestion pricing.

Related Stories

Codes and Standards | Oct 2, 2015

New ASHRAE guideline for commissioning existing systems and assemblies

Focuses on optimum facility and system operation.

Codes and Standards | Sep 18, 2015

New RELi standard addresses disaster resilience

Based on LEED model, may help lower insurance rates  

Building Materials | Aug 28, 2015

Structural steel buildings specification available for second public review

Next year's specification open for comments until Sept. 21

Energy Efficiency | Aug 28, 2015

North American Passive House Network e-book explains Passivhaus, net-zero techniques

Free guide includes spotlight on individual projects

Windows and Doors | Aug 28, 2015

Newly formed group challenges Florida building code

Window, door companies oppose provisions that raise costs

Codes and Standards | Aug 28, 2015

New Orleans becoming a model for climate resilience only 10 years after Katrina

The city has moved ahead with resilience strategies that may become a model for other communities

Codes and Standards | Aug 21, 2015

Illinois governor vetoes bill that would restrict condo owners’ rights

Bill would have made it harder to sue for building flaws

Codes and Standards | Aug 21, 2015

Post-Katrina roofing codes creating more resilient buildings on Gulf Coast

Ten years after storm, notable progress on stronger roofs, IBHS says

Smart Buildings | Aug 21, 2015

Federal Alliance for Safe Homes offers plan to strengthen codes for disaster resilience

Some states losing ground on resilience, group says

Codes and Standards | Aug 21, 2015

After disease outbreak, ASHRAE legionella standard adopted in New York

City Council acts after 12 die of legionellosis

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category


Reconstruction & Renovation

Movement to protect historic buildings raises sharp criticism

While the movement to preserve historic buildings has widespread support, it also has some sharp critics with well-funded opposition groups springing up in recent years. Some opponents are linked to the Stand Together Foundation, founded and bankrolled by the Koch family’s conservative philanthropic organization, according to a column in Governing magazine.



halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021