Transport secretary Chris Grayling has blocked plans for an increase in Red Route Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs), in a move that has been welcomed by the Freight Transport Association.
In December, Transport for London decided to increase the penalties, which are imposed on vehicles which stop or park on some of the capital’s main arterial routes, from £130 to £160.
The FTA said the increase would have caused havoc for London’s freight operators, unfairly punishing firms which move goods in and out of the city.
Natalie Chapman, head of urban policy at the FTA, said: “”FTA raised its very serious concerns about these increases from the outset. I am relieved Mr Grayling was able to see the injustice of the plans and intervene to stop them. Many freight companies are struggling in the current economic climate, and piling on yet another business cost could have been disastrous for the smooth movement of goods around the capital and may have had a serious impact on its trading future.”
