Breaking gridlock - lessons from London's success story ?Urban gridlock already costs Canadian cities $2 billion a year in lost productivity, and is estimated to rise to $7 billion within 20 years. By then the average commute in Toronto, for example, could take half again as much time as it does now. The economic cost of traffic congestion leaves aside the environmental costs and quality-of-life impact resulting from traffic congestion in city centres. From London, Marni Cappe considers the remarkable success story of reducing congestion in central London by charging cars to drive in it. Traffic volumes and delays have been reduced, as has time spent in traffic. As many as 50,000 fewer cars are coming into central London, with most former car commuters switching to public transit or car pooling. Cost benefits indicate about C$400 million saved a year from reduced congestion. The foundations of London?s success include unbearable levels of congestion that demanded a solution, a willingness of commuters to modify their behaviour, and political leadership from Mayor Ken Livingstone. Also available is "The politics of congestion" by Joseph Heath. Institute for Public Policy Research.

By Institute for Public Policy Research ,Canada, US, EU.

Transport Policy Resource.