Congestion Pricing, the Route More Cities Are Taking

Traffic is a headache, and not just for drivers. Jammed roads have become a growing economic, health and environmental menace to societies, contributing every year to millions of premature deaths and costing vast sums in lost productivity (an estimated $87 billion in the US alone). To policy makers, that’s raised the allure of an option that not only can de-clog the streets and improve the air but also fill government coffers. Might congestion pricing become the norm for cities?

Charging drivers to enter busy areas. It’s already used in Singapore, London, Milan and Stockholm. New York is the latest city to join the movement with plans to charge some motorists as much as $23 to enter Manhattan’s central business district. Paying to drive into urban centers during rush hour, or in London’s case from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., is a turnoff for many commuters that pushes them to seek more sustainable alternatives such as mass transit, car pooling or cycling. London charges 15 pounds ($18) a day. The upsides for cities can include quicker bus journeys, a friendlier environment for bicycles and pedestrians, fewer road accidents and less pollution.