I’ve been aware of London’s congestion road pricing for a while, and am of two minds about it. On the one hand, it does seem to reduce pollution (a very good thing) by not only reducing the number of cars on the road, but also by allowing for improved traffic flow and concomitant reductions in idling time. But on the other hand, it has a disproportionate effect on poor people, not only because they cannot necessarily afford the charges and have to change their habits more than wealthier people, but also because the decreased car traffic results in elimination of certain retail jobs. Overall, I think the environmental advantages outweigh the increased burden on the poor, but it still troubles me.

I didn’t realize that New York City was considering similar congestion tolls in Manhattan. Manhattan congestion pricing would be fascinating if implemented, but that seems unlikely, since the plan has met with resistance in the state legislature.