Logistics UK criticises plan to introduce £3.50 fee for drivers entering London

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Logistics UK has openly criticised the Mayor of London’s plan to introduce a 3.50 daily charge for drivers entering London in vehicles registered outside the city.

According to the Guardian, Sadiq Khan has asked Transport for London to start feasibility studies for the plan, which is expected to raise £500m a year.

It has been suggested the the charge is the best way to make up for the gap in public transport infrastructure funds caused by a significant drop in ticket sales. The charge is also expected to cut emissions and motivate people to use public transport.

However, the UK’s main logistics group is not impressed by the idea.

Commenting on the plan, Natalie Chapman, Head of Urban Policy at Logistics UK,  said that the charge would be a „significant blow” to the logistics sector:

“A boundary charge would be a significant blow to the recovering logistics sector; it amounts to an additional tax on the businesses working hard to keep London stocked with the goods and services it needs to operate. While Logistics UK understands the troubled financial situation Transport for London (TfL) is in, a boundary charge simply papers over the cracks – it is not a sustainable solution to its problems. We are calling for cool heads – both the government and TfL need to work together to agree a long-term vision to fund the capital’s transport network.”


Photo credit:  Robert Lamb / Geograph UK