The London congestion charge is a fee charged on most cars and motor vehicles being driven within the Congestion Charge Zone (CCZ) in Central London between 7:00 am and 10:00 pm seven days a week. Inspired by Singapore's Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) system after London officials had visited the country, the charge was first introduced on 17 February 2003. As of 2017, the London charge zone is still one of the largest congestion charge zones in the world, despite the removal of the Western Extension which operated between February 2007 and January 2011. The charge not only helps to reduce high traffic flow in the city streets, but also reduces air and noise pollution in the central London area and raises investment funds for London's transport system.