World Cities Follow London's Congestion Pricing Lead

At least four European cities are following London's lead and imposing "congestion pricing" fees on drivers who enter the cities during hours when traffic is at its worst.

New York, are you listening?

A state commission is set decide whether or not to recommend Mayor Bloomberg's congestion pricing plan, the first sought in the United States, this week.

Congestion pricing is a hotly debated concept. It has worked well in London to reduce traffic and pollution, two key attributes. But many fear it will make it even more difficult for anyone but the wealthy to work in the city but live in the suburbs. Because city housing prices are so high, that means whole categories of people could be squeezed out. However, because New York has an efficient and reliable public transit system, it's among the best places to devise a congestion pricing scheme.

According to USA Today, Milan in Italy, and Berlin, Cologne and Hanover in Germany instituted congestion pricing Jan. 1.

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