THE congestion charging zone is pushing accidents out of central London and into the rest of the capital, a survey has found, leading to higher insurance bills for London-based fleets.

Accident rates have gone up by 23% outside of the zone since it was introduced in February. Rates inside the zone have decreased by 8%.

The report concludes that accidents tend to follow traffic volumes, although in this case the fact many drivers are finding themselves on unfamiliar roads while trying to avoid the zone might also have caused the increase.

Compiled by Arval PHH Accident Management, the survey looked at the three months before the scheme was introduced and the three months after its launch, and analysed insurance claims.

Mike Breeze, director of operations at Arval PHH Accident Management, said: 'This data demonstrates that accidents follow the traffic. Congestion charging may have been a success in getting cars out of central London, but it has also led to more accidents outside that area.

'More accidents in the capital mean higher insurance costs for London-based fleets.'