The city’s cordon pricing scheme did not affect how much people spent at local businesses, new research finds.

London’s congestion pricing zone, known as the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), has not economically harmed local businesses, according to new research.
In an analysis of credit card transactions within the zone, “The 2023 trend line does not fall below the 2022 one: there was no above–expected negative spending effect caused by ULEZ’s expansion.”
According to a post in Centre for Cities by Oscar Selby, “So far, card transaction data does not suggest that ULEZ is harming high street spend. This should reassure policy makers in London, who committed to the emission zone a while ago, and strengthen the convictions of policy makers in New York who are now following suit.”
Meanwhile, the public health and transit benefits are clear, both in London — “London has the worst air quality of any UK city and the capital’s emission zone is helping to change this” — and, more recently, in New York, where the congestion pricing program’s first week yielded faster bus commutes and reduced congestion.
FULL STORY: ULEZ expansion hasn’t hurt high street spending

Legendary Parking Guru Donald Shoup Dies at 86
Urbanists are mourning the loss of a dynamic voice for parking reform and walkable cities.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

Federal EV Charging Program Suspended
The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program planned to fund the construction of hundreds of EV charging stations across the country.

A Monument to Resilience: Native Hawaiian Art Installation Honors History and Healing
The towering ʻUmeke Lāʻau installation by Native Hawaiian artist Meleanna Aluli Meyer, unveiled at Honolulu's city hall, is a powerful symbol of cultural resilience and healing.

Rethinking Fire-Resistant Landscaping: Which Trees Should We Plant?
Fire experts emphasize the need to replace highly flammable trees like Mexican fan palms and eucalyptus with fire-resistant species such as oak, sycamore, and toyon, while also strengthening home fire defenses to reduce wildfire risks in California.

Fremont, California Criminalizes Homelessness, “Abetting” Encampments
Non-profits worry the ordinance, which does not explicitly exempt service providers, will have a chilling effect on unhoused residents and those who offer resources.
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