Couriers could face higher congestion charge penalties
Date: 05 December 2007
Couriers and owner drivers entering London's congestion zone could face even higher fines if they forget to pay the congestion charge.
London mayor Ken Livingstone is looking to increase the fine from £100 to £120, which he says will bring it in line with other parking offences. Couriers will still be able to receive a 50 per cent discount, but this means they will still pay £10 more than the current penalty.
The Association of British Drivers is outraged, in the same way that many couriers will be should the fine be increased.
Roger Lawson, the group's London co-ordinator, said: "It just shows how desperate TfL and Mr Livingstone are to raise revenue from the congestion charge."
Liberal Democrat Brian Paddick made the point that often drivers - including couriers and owner drivers - simply forgot to pay the charge, and did not wilfully choose not to pay.
He said: "Ken Livingstone is penalising Londoners for what is in most cases an honest mistake. He should be making it easier for motorists to pay by introducing direct debit schemes."
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