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
USDOT Revokes Approval for NYC Congestion Pricing
Despite the administration’s stated concern for the “working class,” 85 percent of Manhattan commuters use public transit to enter the city.
NYC Congestion Pricing Reduced Traffic in its First Week
The program has taken tens of thousands of vehicles off the city’s roads in its first week.
USDOT Threatens to Pull New York Highway Funding
The Trump administration wants the state to kill New York City’s congestion pricing program despite its demonstrated success.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Paris Voters Approve More Car-Free Streets
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo says the city will develop a plan to close 500 streets to car traffic and add new bike and pedestrian infrastructure after a referendum on the proposal passed with 66 percent of the vote.
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Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
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