Daily Research News Online no. 2176 - Reaction to Traffic Congestion Charge

Reaction to Traffic Congestion Charge

February 15 2003

With the traffic congestion charge imminent in London, more than a quarter of people who drive in or around the centre of the city say they will avoid driving in the charge zone altogether after the introduction of the congestion charge according to research from BMRB.

In total, 50 per cent of those who drive in central London say they will drive in less frequently or not at all. Very few drivers (one per cent) are planning to drive in London more often after the charge is introduced, even amongst those who intend to claim the charge on expenses. All of which should provide good news for London`s mayor Ken Livingstone who has consistently claimed that congestion charging would relieve the capital`s gridlock.

These are the results of a survey conducted by Access Omnibus Surveys, part of BMRB International. Around 2,000 adults were interviewed on the Access Telephone Omnibus survey.

For individuals who intend to drive less often or not at all the majority (86 per cent) intend to use trains or the tube at some time. A third (36 per cent) intend to use buses; 25 per cent intend to share car journeys and 22 per cent intend to walk most or all of their journey.

Amongst those determined to continue taking the car, around a tenth say that they will consider changing the car they drive to a charge-friendly model and a similar proportion will consider converting their car to a charge-exempt fuel. As many as a third (34 per cent) of GB`s adult population believe that congestion charging should be introduced in the city closest to them. This figure rises to 42 per cent amongst the residents of greater London.

Bob Salmons, Director of Access Omnibus, BMRB, says 'These results show that prior to the launch of the congestion charge, half of drivers intend to reduce their driving in and around London and this is certainly encouraging for Ken Livingstone. The results also indicate that public awareness of the scheme is very high. This has allowed people to weigh up their alternatives to driving. However, if all those that intend to use the train and tube network actually do so there will be another transport challenge facing London.'

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas unless otherwise stated.