Assessing the changes in shopper numbers within the London congestion charge zone

Abstract

The introduction of the Greater London (Central Zone) Congestion Charging Scheme in February 2003 aimed to reduce the traffic congestion within central London and encourage a greater use of public transport. Two years on, the scheme is successfully achieving this aim. But some retailers located within central London have experienced noticeable drops in sales over this period. This paper analyses the changes in shopper numbers within the congestion charge zone, in comparison with shopper trends in London and the rest of the UK, and addresses some other contributing factors that have also impacted on people's shopping behaviour. Analysis has shown that while shopping numbers have declined within the congestion charge zone, weekday patterns differ from weekend patterns, with discretionary shopping trips on weekends facing a larger impact than shopping on weekdays. Furthermore, international events – the Iraq war and SARS – as well as major local transport issues cannot be disregarded in their impact on shopper behaviour.