Industry News from Yes Insurance

London's congestion charge has been declared a success in a report by Transport for London (TfL), the people behind the scheme.

The report claims that traffic levels in 2005 were 22 per cent lower than before the system was introduced.

The benefits of having less traffic on the roads of the capital are varied, with pollution down and a reduced chance of being involved in an accident and having to make a claim to your car insurance provider.

The results are also particularly impressive considering road use has increased during the same period.

"This report shows that the congestion charge continues to be highly effective in decreasing congestion in the capital," said mayor of London Ken Livingstone.

"Traffic levels and associated carbon emissions have been cut, bus services have improved, the roads are safer, and London's air quality has improved thanks to reduced vehicle emissions.

"Cities from across the world can look to our scheme as a benchmark for how to tackle the economic and social problems associated with congestion," he added.

The reduction in traffic is above the target set out when the scheme was first introduced, with officials originally hoping to cut congestion by 20 per cent.

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