Traffic congestion is the worst nightmar for London motorists. Hopefully the new scheme results in reduced traffic. However I think 5 Pounds a day for driving is bit too much. Singapore already has this scheme.
Incidentally software for this scheme was developed my a Mumbai based software firm. They are expected to rake millions of pounds once this scheme is implemented across different cities.
Congestion charge cuts traffic levels
There are several ways to pay the charge
The first day of the world’s biggest congestion charge scheme has seen traffic in central London fall by 25%.
But transport chiefs say it will be months before the full impact of the ambitious scheme is known.
By Monday lunchtime 57,000 people had paid the £5 fee to drive into the zone, with 80,000 expected to have paid by the end of the day.
As the evening rush hour began, there was little sign of the anticipated traffic gridlock or major public transport problems.
If successful the scheme, which aims to get motorists out of their cars, could eventually be repeated elsewhere in up to 30 cities across the UK.
The fall in traffic is only partly explained by this week’s half-term school holidays.
Opponents have vowed to fight the scheme, saying poorer-paid motorists are unfairly penalised by the flat flee.
BBC transport correspondent Simon Montague said public perception would determine whether the scheme was a “political success”.
The first £80 fines for motorists failing to pay the daily charge - payable 0700-1830 GMT weekdays - will go out on Tuesday.
London Mayor Ken Livingstone had anticipated a “bloody day” saying earlier: “I’m just waiting for something to go wrong.”
He said it would be Easter before it was known if the charge was reducing traffic and raising money to re-invest in transport.
Officials from 30 other British cities, including Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast and Bristol, will consider introducing congestion charges if the scheme is successful.
How scheme works
Charge applies in eight square miles (21 square km)
Charges apply 0700-1830 GMT Monday to Friday, except public holidays
£5 flat daily fee in advance or on day
Non-payment fines of up to £120
Early signs were good with no early rush of motorists attempting to get in before the charge began at 0700 GMT or signs of extra traffic around the zone, according to the RAC.
London Underground also recorded “no significant difference” in passenger numbers.
Meanwhile motorists were able to get through to the Transport for London congestion payment phone line.
Bob Kiley, London’s transport commissioner, said: "We do anticipate problems and challenges but nothing on a cataclysmic order.
“I think it is going to take us several months to work our way through this to get it in the best possible shape that it can be.”