Now TfL says it wants to KEEP £15-a-day London congestion charge to ‘support capital’s culture, hospitality and night-time businesses’ months after Sadiq Khan pledged to SCRAP the temporary rise
- TfL had claimed the rise in Congestion Charge from £11.50 to £15 was temporary
- Sadiq Khan previously said he would ‘negotiate with Government’ to reduce cost
- But the transport body today announced proposals to keep price at current level
- It also plans to scale back an increase in the period when the scheme operates
Transport for London (TfL) has said it wants to keep the 30 per cent rise in London’s congestion charge to £15 per day to ‘support the capital’s culture, hospitality and night-time businesses’.
The transport body today announced proposals to keep the price at that level, but scale back an increase in the period when the scheme operates.
Under a multi-billion pound funding package provided by the Government, the charge was extended from 7am-6pm on weekdays to 7am-10pm every day.
TfL is consulting on stopping the charge at 6pm every day, and delaying its start until noon on weekends and bank holidays.
It comes months after Sadiq Khan pledged to scrap the rise from £11.50 to £15, which was introduced as a temporary measure in June last year.
Speaking ahead of the London mayoral election, Sadiq Khan previously insisted he would be ‘negotiating with the Government’ to reduce the charge if he continued in his position
Transport for London (TfL) today announced proposals to keep the price at £15, but scale back an increase in the period when the scheme operates (file photo)
The Mayor of London, who chairs TfL, said: ‘The Government insisted on the widening of the level and scope of the Congestion Charge last year as a condition of TfL’s emergency funding agreement – which was only needed because of the pandemic.
‘As we look to the future it’s vital the charge strikes the right balance between supporting London’s economic recovery and helping ensure it is a green and sustainable one.
‘These proposals support the capital’s culture, hospitality and night-time businesses which have struggled so much, as well as encouraging people to walk, cycle and use public transport.
‘We must not replace one public health crisis with another due to filthy polluted air, and our measures to create more space for walking and cycling have already had a huge impact.
‘I urge Londoners to have their say and take part in the consultation.’
Speaking ahead of the London mayoral election, Mr Khan previously insisted he would be ‘negotiating with the Government’ to reduce the charge if he continued in his position.
The plan to abolish fees after 6pm was welcomed by senior figures at entertainment businesses in the capital.
This map shows the area of the congestion charge which drivers pay to enter Central London
Kathryn McDowell, managing director of London Symphony Orchestra, said the measure would allow more people to attend its events and ‘give the night-time economy a much-needed boost’.
Nightclub Fabric’s director, Cameron Leslie, added: ‘Any measure to encourage people back into central London at this time by whatever mode of transport should be wholeheartedly supported.’
Sir Nicholas Kenyon, managing director of performing arts centre Barbican, said lifting the congestion charge in the evening ‘would be a huge help in putting culture and events at the heart of the capital’s recovery’.
Advertisement