Mayor's C-charge changes 'will not be effective'
Date: 22 October 2007
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The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has criticised the London mayor's latest plans for congestion charging, which will affect courier drivers in the capital.
Mayor Ken Livingstone has proposed to change the congestion charge so it will be based on vehicle CO2 emissions. However, the SMMT believes that this will only bring minimal benefits.
Transport for London (TfL) says carbon dioxide savings of up to 8,100 tonnes can be expected, compared to total transport emissions in London of 9.7 million tonnes. This means that the maximum benefit would be a reduction of CO2 of just 0.084 per cent.
The group now wants the mayor to extend the consultation period for the proposed changes.
"The motor industry has asked the mayor for an extension to the consultation period to work with Transport for London,' said SMMT's Christopher Macgowan.
"The issues are complex and TfL must be absolutely clear about the scheme's aims. Its execution must also deliver the greatest benefit both in terms of congestion and CO2 reduction and the charges to drivers must be proportionate."
Other congestion charge schemes are being proposed for Manchester and Leeds, which would require courier drivers to pay a daily charge.
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