More than half (58%) of London’s residents are opting for public transport to avoid the Congestion Charge and the hassle of driving in the capital.
The research by Venson Automotive Solutions reveals that 34% of motorists say driving in London is too much hassle and favour public transport instead, whilst nearly a quarter (24%) choose public transport to avoid the Congestion Charge. A total of 30% of people use public transport because it’s quicker for getting from A to B; just 7% prefer to drive, whilst only 3% cycle in the busy capital. Less cars on London’s roads will play a significant role in cutting carbon emissions and supporting the government’s Road to Zero emissions strategy.
The findings also show that half of the Londoners surveyed by Venson agree with the Transport for London (TfL) proposal to introduce a 20mph default speed limit for “red route” roads inside the Congestion Zone and a 15mph speed limit in the London Square Mile. Only around a quarter (26%) don’t agree with the proposals.
Simon Staton, client management director of Venson Automotive Solutions, said: It is encouraging to see that the Congestion Charge is deterring people from getting in their cars, in turn reducing emissions output across the capital. However, a worrying 61% of people we surveyed declared they have no idea if their car meets the emissions standards required for the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), now operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year within the same area of central London as the Congestion Charge. This suggests that more needs to be done to educate those driving through the capital of the additional financial penalties they could face.”
