CitySprint has called for common sense and a tiered approach to the proposed increase to London’s congestion charge, in a recent consultation meeting with Transport for London.
TfL is currently in talks on increasing the standard daily congestion charge in London, from £10 to £11.50.
CitySprint reckons it has spent more than £1 million on the congestion charge in 2013, so the proposed increase could equate to an additional £160,000 in cost, to the company itself, its couriers, and ultimately its customers.
It argues that the increase would mainly affect businesses and customers using smaller commercial vehicles, and not HGVs, saying they should be either exempt or face a smaller price increase.
“We understand why we need the congestion charge in London. What we are against is a blanket increase which hits the essential journeys keeping London working and prosperous,” said chief executive officer Patrick Gallagher.
“As businesses start to emerge from the downturn, this is the last thing they need and we are calling on TfL and the Mayor to apply some common sense.
“We are also urging businesses who use small commercial vehicles, to join the discussion to help avoid another tax on our recovering business community before the process concludes.”
The consultation ends on 14 March 2014.
