VITAL: CitySprint call for ‘common sense’
CitySprint have called for ‘common sense’ and a ‘tiered approach’ to the proposed 15% increase to London’s Congestion Charge.
In a meeting with Transport for London, the distribution company claimed their couriers spent approximately £1,008,240 on the charge last year.
The proposed increase – from £10 to £11.50 – could amount to an additional £160,000 in costs; a 16% increase which, according to CitySprint, ‘cannot be justified’.
CitySprint insist a tiered approach is the best solution, taking into account essential business-related journeys and vehicles sizes.
Patrick Gallagher, CEO at CitySprint, said: “We totally get why we need the congestion charge in London, what we are against is a blanket increase which hits the essential journeys keeping London working and prosperous.
“As businesses start to emerge from the downturn, this is the last thing they need and we are calling on Transport for London and the Mayor to apply some common sense.
“With a month to go before the consultation ends, we are urging businesses, who use small commercial vehicles, to join the discussion to help avoid another tax on our recovering business community before the process concludes on March 14.”
Image courtesy of mariordo59, with thanks.
