The central London Congestion Charging Scheme was introduced in the UK in February 2003 as part of the Mayor's transport strategy to tackle congestion. The background to the scheme is described. The scheme was part of a package of measures to improve traffic flow in the centre of London. Other measures included improvements in public and social transport, better enforcement of traffic and parking regulations and improved maintenance and management of the main road network. The close cooperation between Transport for London (TfL) and businesses in the charging zone is described. TfL has established a five-year monitoring programme to examine the economic, environmental social impacts of the scheme. Early indications show that traffic levels inside the zone have reduced by 16% and that journey speeds have increased. There has been no evidence of traffic increasing on the Inner Ring Road. Public transport use has increased and there has been a 19% increase in buses in the zone. TfL has been asked to look at the technical feasibility of extending the congestion charging zone to the west of central London.
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