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London
last modified November 14, 2007 by Lily
"Increasing the capacity of the transport system cannot be based upon the private car."
The Mayor's Transport Strategy Report, released in July 2001
Rather than easing traffic by increasing road space, Transport for London has recognized that making improvements to public transportation is a more sustainable and healthy approach to reducing congestion and improving quality of life in the city. Increasing the ease, efficiency and reliability of bus travel is central to achieving this goal.
Congestion Pricing
An ongoing shift away from private car use has been accomplished with congestion charging, better buses, and bus priority measures.
The daily £8 ($14) fee to drive in Central London during peak weekday hours encourages commuters to seek alternative modes of transportation, while asking motorists who use the city's scarce, valuable road space to pay accordingly.
Money raised through the congestion charging scheme is being put back into public transportation facilities. Six months after the program began, the number of vehicles in downtown London had decreased by a third. Travel times were reduced by 15%. The congestion charge zone doubled in size in February 2007.
Street Improvements
Kensington High Street is both a major shopping destination and an important route for through-traffic to the center of London. These uses were balanced in a recent renovation of the area, which included:
- Removal of guard rails at pedestrian crossings
- A central refuge which provides additional bike parking space and helps people cross the street at any point
- Improved lighting and reduced street clutter, through installation of multi-functional street lamps. One lamp column accommodates lights for traffic, lights for pedestrians, directional signs, and a hanging basket for flowers