Author Archives: urbanrenaissanceinst

(March 6, 2003) Toronto Mayor Mel Lastman spoke for many when he voiced his fear of tolling city roads, as London, England, so daringly did to eliminate traffic congestion three weeks ago. “Please tell me how much business we’re going to lose in the evenings particularly with people not coming to Toronto to restaurants,” he asked. “If you pay to come into Toronto, and a toll to get out of here, you might as well go to a restaurant in your own neighbourhood.” Continue reading →

(February 27, 2003) Less than two weeks ago, London, England, proved that cities could easily eliminate traffic congestion. By charging vehicles £5 per day to enter central London between 7:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. on weekdays, the city convinced some 50,000 Londoners to change their schedules, to take public transit, to join a car pool, to work from home, to come by bicycle, to buy a scooter, to take a taxi, to walk part of the way or all of the way, or to otherwise change their behaviour. Continue reading →