Temporary Hike in Congestion Charge to be Made Permanent

For drivers in London, the congestion charge is nothing new. First introduced under Ken Livingstone back in 2003, it has largely been reported as a successful means of reducing traffic in the capital. Over the past 17 years, the C-charge has increased on a few occasions, the most recent of these being June 2020. Announced as a temporary measure, the charge was increased from £11.50 to £15. This was the biggest single increase in the C-charge since the first time it was increased in 2005.

This rise was down to the conditions of a deal struck between Transport for London (TfL) and the UK Government following a £1.6 billion bailout in May 2020. Since then, TfL has secured further funding of around £3 billion to try and mitigate the economic impact wrought by the coronavirus pandemic. Although initially intended as a temporary measure, Sadiq Khan and TfL announced this week that the new congestion charge of £15 would remain in place.

Khan had strongly advocated against the extension of the C-charge. Following negotiations for funding in November 2020 a press release from the office outlined how Khan had managed to get the government to back down from their proposals for any extension to the C-charge. However, as the pandemic has continued to damage the capital’s economy it seems Khan has had to go back on his word.

While the price will remain at £15, the time periods that the C-charge will apply will change. At present, the C-charge applies between 7am and 10pm, every day except Christmas Day. These hours were increased during the pandemic, originally the charge applied from 7am to 6pm only on weekdays. Under TfL's new proposals, the C-charge would return to those hours, but be payable seven days a week.

The new measures aren’t expected to be introduced until at least February 2022 and there will be extensive public consultation on the matter. Speaking on the new plans, Khan 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.”

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