What effect will congestion pricing have on the quality of the environment?
Better environment has been one of the primary objectives of the Stockholm cordon congestion-pricing program. London took advantage of the reduced traffic volumes and reduced the amount of road space allocated for vehicles in order to increase pedestrian and bicycling amenities. Stockholm, London, and Singapore all measured significant air quality improvements as a result of pricing. As noted by the Environmental Defense Fund, London reduced emissions of particulate matter and nitrogen oxides by 12 percent and fossil fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by 20 percent in its central business district. Singapore’s congestion pricing scheme prevents the emission of an estimated 175,000 lb of carbon dioxide each day, and Stockholm’s congestion-pricing system has led to a 10–14 percent drop in carbon dioxide emissions in its central area. In addition, the indirect effect of public transportation expansion, made possible by the congestion charge revenues, has the potential to reduce
