‘Boris Johnson mulls ‘intelligent’ congestion charge system for London’

THE GUARDIAN – 16/03/09

Boris Johnson is considering plans to charge different congestion charge rates for London, depending on what time of day drivers enter the zone. One option would be to charge more for entering the zone during peak periods and less at other times, to encourage them to avoid rush hour in the capital. This variable charging is based on a scheme in Stockholm, which was implemented after London first introduced it in 2003. The mayor has also asked TfL to set up an accounts billing system to make it easier for drivers to pay, which may include direct debits or an electronic chip system that picks up a car’s entry into the zone. Critics of this plan have warned, however, that London’s ‘rush hour’ is ongoing throughout the day. London’s transport spokesperson on the London Assembly, Val Shawcross, said ‘Making it easier to pay is one thing, but a price cut would be a dangerous green light for more cars to come in and clog up central London. The mayor should be looking to make the best possible use of technology to cut congestion, make the system more efficient and improve London’s urban environment’. Read the article…