London congestion charge to be scrapped in evenings to ‘boost nightlife’
LONDON'S congestion charge is set to be scrapped in the evenings to help boost the capital's pandemic battered nightlife.
The entry fee for cars will be frozen at £15 with a cut-off time of 6pm every night under plans put forward by mayor Sadiq Khan today.
It is hoped the move will help kickstart the recovery for the city's pubs, clubs, and theatres which have been virtually empty for 18 months.
Under the proposals the levy would apply between 7am and 6pm from Monday-Friday, and from noon-6pm at the weekends.
Transport for London had to up the charge from £11.50 to £15 and extend its hours of operation under the terms of a Government bailout package.
The extra cash was granted in June last year after the pandemic saw passenger numbers on the Underground and busses plummet.
But bosses were keen to ensure the changes were only temporary and have now published plans to reverse them.
They also want to reopen the residents' discount scheme to new applicants now that lockdown is over.
🔵 Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest updates
Under it people living in inner London can get 90% off the congestion charge.
Mr Khan said: "As we look to the future it’s vital the charge strikes the right balance between supporting London’s economic recovery and helping ensure it is a green and sustainable one.
"These proposals support the capital’s culture, hospitality and night-time businesses which have struggled so much, as well as encouraging people to walk, cycle and use public transport.
"We must not replace one public health crisis with another due to filthy polluted air, and our measures to create more space for walking and cycling have already had a huge impact."
His plans would see the charge ditched between Christmas Day and New Year's Day, and its hours for Bank Holidays set the same as for weekends.
Drivers heading into London would be able to pay it retrospectively up to three days after travel.
Boost to nightlife
Alex Williams, TfL’s Director of City Planning, said: “These proposals are aimed at ensuring that travel in and around the heart of the city is sustainable in the long term.
“It is also a time when theatres, restaurants and other cultural attractions are trying to get back on their feet again, which is why the plans include the charge only being in place during the day."
The proposals will now go out to a public consultation.
They were today welcomed by music and cultural venues which have taken a hammering throughout lockdown.
Cameron Leslie, director of Fabric nightclub, said: "Any measure to encourage people back into central London at this time by whatever mode of transport should be wholeheartedly supported.
"The night-time economy needs all the support it can get."
Ministry of Sound chairman Lohan Presencer added: “This is good news for the night-time economy, making it easier for staff to travel to and from work and for customers to return to late night venues.”
Most read in Motors
Kathryn McDowell, Managing Director of the London Symphony Orchestra, said ditching the charge in the evening will tempt punters back to concerts.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
She said: "This is great news for the LSO and the performing arts in London, especially as we open our doors to full houses in the autumn season.
"We know from audience research that for some people, the lifting of the evening congestion charge will enable them to attend evening events in central London, and it will certainly give the night-time economy a much needed boost as we recover from the pandemic.”