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Tuesday 17th February marks the first anniversary of congestion charging
in London and a new survey shows that many Londoners are now in favour
the charge, but there is opposition nationwide to extending congestion
charges to other cities.
Leading car insurer, Admiral surveyed motorists both in the Capital and
in other parts of the country to find out their opinion of congestion
charging one year on. It revealed:
- 41% of London motorists are now in favour of the charge compared
with 31% a year ago.
- 27% of London motorists use their car less since the charge came
into force.
- 44% of London motorists feel the current £5 charge is too
high.
- 70% of motorists outside of London would be against congestion
charging in their own town or city.
- 46% of motorists outside of London think congestion charging would
make them use their cars less.
- 82% of motorists are concerned that the increase in car use could
result in gridlock.
- 50% of motorists outside of London feel so strongly about congestion
charging they would consider changing the party they vote for.
Admiral's results will make interesting reading for politicians looking
into ways of reducing congestion, without upsetting the nation's 30 million
motorists. Admiral managing director, Jane Stone, commented: "This
time last year many people were predicting the congestion charge in London
would be a failure. I think people have been surprised by it and now realise
that something had to be done to try to prevent gridlock in the Capital.
The reaction in the rest of the country is more of a worry to the Government.
Our survey suggests that while motorists are concerned about congestion
they would not be happy for charging to be extended to their city."
Admiral's survey also revealed that the London congestion charge has
not had much affect on the car use of most motorists. 71% said they use
their car just as often as before and 75% said they use public transport
just as often or less than before.
Motorists outside of London are split over whether congestion charging
would make them use their cars less often. 46% said it would, while 41%
said it wouldn't. 49% said it would make them consider using public transport
more often.
However some of the people Admiral surveyed would contemplate even more
drastic action. 19% said they would consider moving house to escape the
charges and 50% said they would even consider changing the party they
voted for based upon its stance on congestion charging.
Jane Stone, said: "The success of the London scheme will probably
mean other major cities will adopt congestion charging in the coming years.
It is a topic people feel very strongly about, especially at a time when
motorists feel they are already being given a tough time by the government.
"I think our survey shows just what a sensitive topic it is; most
motorists realise something has to be done to combat congestion, but if
it affects their personal motoring the politicians may have a fight on
their hands."
Admiral surveyed 750 motorists. Here is the complete survey.
Motorists in London
1. Before the start of congestion charging in February, how did you feel
about it?
| I was totally against it |
39% |
| I was slightly against it |
20% |
| I didn't feel strongly either way |
10% |
| I was slightly for it |
18% |
| I was totally for it |
13% |
2. How do you feel about congestion charging now?
| I am totally against it |
37% |
| I am slightly against it |
11% |
| I don't feel strongly either way |
11% |
| I am slightly for it |
18% |
| I am totally for it |
23% |
3. Has congestion charging had any effect on how often you use your car?
| Not at all |
71% |
| I use it slightly less |
18% |
| I use it a lot less |
9% |
| Don't know |
2% |
4. Do you use public transport more or less now congestion charging is
in place?
| More |
23% |
| About the same |
66% |
| Less |
9% |
| Don't know |
2% |
5. How do you feel about the congestion charge fee?
| It is far too high |
44% |
| It is about right |
42% |
| It should be higher |
7% |
| Don't know |
7% |
Motorists outside of London
1. How do you feel about congestion charging in London?
| I am totally against it |
26% |
| I am slightly against it |
20% |
| I don't care either way |
12% |
| I am slightly for it |
22% |
| I am totally for it |
20% |
2. How would you feel if your local council introduced congestion charging
in your town or city?
| I would be totally against it |
53% |
| I would be slightly against it |
17% |
| I wouldn't care either way |
3% |
| I would be slightly for it |
15% |
| I would be totally for it |
12% |
3. How would you feel if the government introduced charges for all drivers
using their car at peak times?
| I would be totally against it |
67% |
| I would be slightly against it |
11% |
| I wouldn't care either way |
4% |
| I would be slightly for it |
8% |
| I would be totally for it |
10% |
4. Would congestion charging of any kind make you use your car less often?
| Yes, definitely |
11% |
| Yes, probably |
35% |
| No, probably |
15% |
| No, definitely |
26% |
| Don't know |
13% |
5. How concerned are you about gridlock due to increased car use?
| Very concerned |
37% |
| Slightly concerned |
45% |
| Not really concerned |
11% |
| Not concerned at all |
3% |
| Don't know |
4% |
6. Would you consider doing any of the following because of congestion
charging?
a. Using public transport more
| Yes |
49% |
| No |
43% |
| Don't know |
8% |
b. Selling your car and using an exempt vehicle
| Yes |
21% |
| No |
61% |
| Don't know |
18% |
c. Moving house so you were either charged less or would use your car
less often
| Yes |
19% |
| No |
69% |
| Don't know |
12% |
d. Changing the party you vote for
| Yes |
50% |
| No |
33% |
| Don't know |
17% |
Issue date: 12-02-04
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