Critics who fear congestion pricing argue that crowded streets reflect a vital economy. But in New York, traffic congestion has always been too much of a good thing. William Vickrey, a Columbia professor who came up with the notion of congestion pricing in the 1950's, could not have imagined the clogged streets we have today.

Gridlock can be measured in appointments missed, tardiness, environmental damage and even elevated blood pressure. Taking a third of the vehicles off New York's most heavily used streets can't hurt. (NY Times)

Congestion Pricing is a good tool for not only reducing traffic congestion, allowing higher value traffic to flow, but also reducing ground level pollution, encouraging highly energy efficient transportation modes (mass transit, biking, walking), creating a revenue stream for further transportation improvements and overall improve quality of life in the city.

But Congestion Pricing alone will not reduce low value automobile traffic. Congestion pricing should be one part of a multi-prong traffic reduction plan including increased levels of mass transit service, reductions in government parking permits, better biking and pedestrian facilities, reductions in double parked trucks, and all other ways to improve transit options for commuters.