Under new proposals from the Mayor of London and Transport for London (TfL), the temporary daily £15 congestion charge fee will become permanent but the hours of operation will be rolled back.
As part of a bailout deal between the government and TfL, the congestion charge in the capital was increased from £11.50 to £15.00 in June 2020 in what was described as a temporary move. The hours of operation were also extended from 7am-6pm Monday to Friday to 7am-10pm seven days a week.
However, in new proposals unveiled by Mr Khan and TfL today, it has been revealed they intend on keeping the £15 charge but reducing the hours it operates to “support the capital’s culture, hospitality and night-time businesses”.
Under the plans, the C Charge could return to pre-pandemic hours of 7am to 6pm on weekdays, while operating on weekends between 12pm to 6pm.
“As we look to the future it’s vital the charge strikes the right balance between supporting London’s economy and helping ensure it is a green and sustainable one,” said Sadiq Khan.
“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,” he added.
The proposal are now out for public consultation and would come into force on February 28.
[Image by Matt Rakowski via Shutterstock]