In June last year, as part of the government’s emergency funding agreement, the cost of the fee was increased from £11.50 to £15. LondonTransportation network. It can also be enforced before 10pm on 7 days a week.
Although Mr. Khan and Fiber to the home Insist that this change is temporary, TfL has now revealed that it intends to keep the £15 fee but reduce its operating hours to “support the capital’s culture, hotels and night business.”
This fee will also be reserved for part of the weekend. According to the new proposal, the 15 GBP fee will be effective from 7 am to 6 pm every week and from 12 noon to 6 pm on weekends.
The new charging time for public consultation will take effect on February 28.
Mr. Khan said: “As we look to the future, this fee is essential to strike the right balance between supporting London’s economic recovery and helping to ensure that it is a green and sustainable economic recovery.
“These proposals support the struggling culture, hotels and night business in the capital, and encourage people to walk, bike and use public transportation.”
There is no charge between Christmas and New Year’s Day, and weekend business hours will be applicable to bank holidays.
During the mayoral campaign, Mr. Khan stated that he intends to waive the £15 fee and reduce it to a working day fee.
Sean Bailey, a Conservative London parliamentarian who challenged Mr. Xiang Khan to the post of mayor, said: “By keeping the fee at £15, he is taxing London’s recovery and putting his livelihood at risk.
“Instead of pretending that this will help Londoners, Khan needs to understand the financial situation of TfL and reduce the fee to £11.50.”
Michael Lloyd, Chairman of the London Infrastructure of the Small Business Federation, said: “Although we understand the financial difficulties faced by TfL, this is not the time to punish small companies that are struggling under the weight of their business. .
“The move to support the night economy by canceling the evening congestion fee is welcome, but for many businesses that carry out activities during the day on weekends, a permanent fee of £15 will be charged between 12 noon and 6 pm on weekends. Become another bitter medicine that is hard to swallow.”
But John Dickie, chief executive of London First, the business group, said: “As we recover from the pandemic, it is correct to reassess the operating hours of congestion charges.
“Londonians want to go back to the capital, so TfL makes it easier while ensuring that the city can continue to move forward, which is a good thing.”
Mr. Khan revealed to the London Parliament this month that the increased fees so far have allowed TfL to earn £155 million in additional revenue.
TfL must save 300 million pounds this fiscal year.
Last month, more than 2.4 million cars passed through zone c during charging time, which is the highest number since March 2017.
According to TfL data, traffic congestion in London in 2017 caused a loss of 9.5 billion pounds to the economy.
Alex Williams, head of urban planning at TfL, stated that the new proposal is a “balance package” that is “critical” to support the logistics industry and “encourages people to walk, ride bicycles, and take public transportation.” “.
Londoners can comment on the proposed changes by visiting the TfL website, and the public consultation will continue until October 6.
