London’s congestion charge has made roads safer for all

The introduction of London's congestion charge led to a substantial reduction in the number of accidents in the city and a significant decline in the rate of accidents per mile driven. That is the central finding of new research by Professor Colin Green from Lancaster University Management School and colleagues, to be presented at the Royal Economic Society's 2015 annual conference later this month. Professor Green said: 'Our results suggest that the congestion charge has broadly changed people's modes of travel and the number of trips made into Central London, with a beneficial reduction in accident costs and lives lost. 'What's more, it has even reduced the probability of an accident for those that continue to commute by car.' In 2003, in an effort to reduce congestion, London introduced a £5 charge for motor vehicles that enter central London. When initiated, the charge was hailed as a triumph of economics, forcing those contributing to congestion to pay an explicit price. The resulting reduction in traffic congestion confirmed predictions that the charge would change behaviour. The introduction of the charge has implications for traffic accidents, related injuries and fatalities.