Freight drivers stuck in London traffic jams
Date: 08 November 2007
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Freight haulage drivers in London are having to endure worse traffic in the morning rush hour than they did before the congestion charge was brought in.
Figures from the Department for Transport (DfT) show that journey times for logistics drivers and others have increased during the day and evening as well.
This comes in spite of Mayor Ken Livingstone's promise that the congestion charge would alleviate traffic jams for haulage drivers carrying freight they need to deliver on time.
The statistics show that the average speed for driving to work was 9.3mph in 2006/07, compared to 9.9mph before the scheme began, back in 2003.
Some factors which have played a part include more roadworks, new bus lanes and other schemes.
"Congestion charging is a clunky system based on old technology," said Liberal Democrat spokesman Geoff Pope.
"What we need is a modern solution using tag and beacon technology, which can vary the charge to reduce congestion at peak times.
"Local action on traffic hot spots is the way forward, not hiking up the charge, which will only hit public sector workers and small businesses."
The congestion charge means that freight haulage drivers entering the capital must pay a daily fee.
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