Figures show the amount of traffic in the new west London charge area was down by 13 per cent at the end of last month.
They also showed no rise in the amount of traffic in existing charge areas following the introduction of the new zone on February 19.
Mr Livingstone said: "These initial figures are highly satisfactory. They show that in the early weeks following the western extension of the congestion charge, traffic is down in line with expectations. In the existing congestion charging zone, the results are exceeding the traffic modelling with no increase in traffic.
"All payment channels have also worked well. There have been no major disruptions on the boundary roads or free routes through the zone to date. About 70,000 fewer vehicles entered the congestion charge zone in 2006, compared with the 334,000 that entered each day before charging began.
"This shows clearly the hugely important role that the zone has had in preventing London's roads from grinding to a halt." Tweet
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That's 70,000 less customers. Hey Ken, what a great success. I am sure that you have convinced the businesses of Manchester of the case for congestion charging.
They dont tell you about the ratruns down the side streets that have been created (people trying to get into london throught the back streets) And like jake has said loss of customers for the shops? Well done red ken ,Your mates at manchester council are now trying to think of another way to bring congestion charges into manchester? But hopefully the voters in manchester will get rid of the MCC and its headquaters (Downing street gangsters tony and his gang)
Yes Ken, it's a success in your own narrow-minded view. What about the other ramifications of it eh? If I switch off my central heating in the winter, I will have been "successful" in saving gas. The downside can easily be measured in other terms. It's also a "success" for those who can afford to pay the £12 a day with no problem. They will enjoy the quieter roads. Don't believe a word. This "success" does not take into account the true effects of his draconian rules.
Well said Jake, Ace & PW - Ken isn't going to say anything else is he? Manchester councils have to think whether a reduction of tens of thousands of vehicle movements in the area will constitute a 'great success' or 'a stifling of economic activity'....
It's all very well if the only thing you have to take into work is a breifcase. Try carrying several bags of equipment essential to the job on a bus or train that don't stop anywhere near where you need to be. If this goes country wide then lots of people will not be able to do their jobs hence more out of work. Typicle labour rip off.
You would never guess that the schools were on half term at the start of the C charge in Comrade Ken's calculations of the 70,000 less vehicles in his before and after statment.
Yes well done Ken!
You've forced the WORKING CLASSES off the road and now made it much easier for the RICH TOFFS to get around town!
Ditto ace. I already use the 'ratruns' for convenience as it's generally needed to get to where I need to go for work.
I often see people using them as a cut-through to get back onto the A6 further up or down.