Congestion charging

What is congestion charging all about? It's all part of the plan introduced by London Mayor Ken Livingstone to reduce congestion and improve the environment. The scheme is scheduled to be brought in from February 17 2003 and if it catches on then the rest of the country can expect the same treatment.

There are arguments for and against congestion charging, and they've been regurgitated many times during the four rounds of consultation. Those keen to introduce congestion charging say that it will reduce the traffic coming into the centre of London as people seek alternative methods of travel, combine or reduce journeys or just stay away. The result will, they say, mean that those who have paid to drive into the metropolis will be able to move about much faster than the present 10 miles per hour (if they're lucky).

On the other hand there are those who think that they shouldn't have to pay to enter London, that all it will really do is encourage traffic to use and congest all of the roads around the "pay to enter zone", and that it will only push up the cost of goods and services to the end customer.

Explaining the scheme

In essence, congestion charging means that drivers are still able to drive anywhere they want in London, it's just that if they want to enter the central charging zone, they'll have to pay for the privilege.

Benefits? According to Transport for London, the administrator of the scheme, the benefits and penalties of the congestion charging would mean that inside the charging zone, traffic would be reduced by 10% to 15%, queues would be reduced by 20% to 30% and traffic speeds would be increased by 10% to 15%. However, outside the zone, Transport for London expects that traffic may increase on orbital routes by up to 5%, would be reduced on radial routes by 5% to 10% and that there would be an expected overall reduction in traffic by 1% to 2%. Transport for London says that all the revenues generated will be invested in transport in London.

Area covered

The proposed area covered in the charging zone is bounded by Marylebone Road, Euston Road, Pentonville Road, City Road, Great Eastern Street, Commercial Street, Tower Bridge Road, New Kent Road, Kennington Lane, Vauxhall Bridge Road, Grosvenor Place, Park Lane, and Edgware Road. The boundary roads carries no charge, it's only the roads inside it that do.

How it works

The number plates of vehicles entering or moving within the central zone will be observed by a network of fixed and mobile cameras which will be dotted all over the zone, not just at the entry points. There won't be any toll booths, gantries or barriers; drivers will not have to stop.

The number plates collected by the cameras will then be checked against the registration numbers of those who have paid a £5 daily charge (not a per entry charge) if they enter between 7.00am and 6.30pm between Monday and Friday. There will be no charge on public holidays.

There is no automatic penalty for entering the zone without paying. However payment must be made by 10.00pm or the charge rises to £10. After midnight the failure to pay means an £80 fine (£40 if paid promptly) or £120 if not paid by the due date for the registered owner of the vehicle. If there are three or more outstanding fines Transport for London may clamp or remove the vehicle from anywhere in the Greater London area. It will, of course, have to find the offending vehicle first.

Drivers can pay the entry charge (or penalty) by telephone, post, internet or at retail outlets, either in advance or on the day. The charge can be paid for on a daily, weekly, monthly or annual basis. The registration numbers of these vehicles will be entered into a database.

Drivers of foreign registered vehicles will not get away without paying - Transport for London has said that it will link up to the foreign versions of the DVLA. Similarly, drivers of hired vehicles will also be caught.

There will be a civil penalty system, as there is for de-criminalised parking, for non-payment and any unpaid penalties will be pursued through civil courts, with the ultimate recourse to bailiffs if penalties stay unpaid. You won't be surprised to know that any attempts to tamper with number plates or vandalise/deface signs or camera equipment will be criminal offences.

Discounts and exemptions

Whilst the congestion charging scheme aims to encourage people to think again about using their vehicles in central London and to choose other forms of transport if possible. some individuals and vehicles will be exempt or discounted from the scheme.

In essence, those living in the charging zone can register a private vehicle for a 90% discount from the charge. The discount is subject to proof of residency and vehicle ownership.

Disabled drivers/vehicles (with a Blue Badge) do not have to pay the charge once registered and vehicles used by those in connection with the certain medical treatments can generally get 100% discounts.

Those others lucky enough to get an exemption from congestion charge - where no action is required by the users of these vehicles, namely no payment or registration - include users/operators of motorbikes and mopeds; Hackney carriages (black cabs) and London- licensed mini-cabs; emergency service vehicles; NHS vehicles that are exempt from vehicle excise duty; vehicles used by disabled people which are exempt from vehicle excise duty; and users and coaches with nine or more seats that are licensed in the "bus class" with the DVLA.

Interestingly, there is an "environmentally friendly vehicle" discount of 100% once the vehicles are registered and have paid an annual £10 charge. These vehicles include: all alternative fuel (that is, gas, electric, fuel cell and so on); vehicles (including bi/dual fuel vehicles) that are approved vehicles or have been converted by an approved supplier as listed on the Transport Action Register maintained by the Energy Saving Trust or a register maintained by an equivalent body in the European Economic Area (EEA). The list also includes alternative fuel goods vehicles (vans and lorries) which meet Euro III emissions standards or higher and alternative fuel cars and light commercial vehicles which meet emissions standards that are 30% above Euro IV standards; and electrically propelled vehicles.

Appeals against fines

Yes, there will be an appeals system will also be in place, similar to that which exists for parking in London, but don't expect much leniency.

But I don't live or work in London - why should this bother me? Lucky you, for the moment anyway. If this programme of congestion charging takes off and is a success, you can expect replica schemes to work their way around the UK very quickly. Naturally local government will say that congestion charging is good for the environment and traffic control. It is also very good for the coffers. Transport for London reckons that 250,000 vehicles per day enter the area that will be chargeable - that's £1,250,000 per day. As a result, you may want to revise your pricing/charges if you have to travel on business.

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