Cops accuse Sadiq Khan of giving them ‘huge slap in the face’ by refusing to exempt them from congestion charge
COPS last night accused London Mayor Sadiq Khan of giving them a “huge slap in the face” by refusing to exempt officers from the Congestion Charge.
They are the only blue-light emergency service forced to pay the increased £15 levy to drive to work despite risking their lives.
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Rank and file union chiefs say it shows bobbies are not deemed “key workers” by Mr Khan’s City Hall.
Met Police Federation chairman Ken Marsh said: “Police officers are appalled by this snub.
“Since the beginning of this pandemic, our colleagues in London have worked tirelessly to keep the public safe at no small risk to themselves.
“For police officers to be told they now have to pay the Congestion Charge when other key workers have been handed an exemption by City Hall, is a huge slap in the face.
“We urge the Mayor to do the right thing.
“This decision must be reversed.”
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Firefighters, ambulance personnel, NHS staff and care home workers have been made exempt from the Congestion Charge since its reintroduction last week.
Transport for London says key workers exempt from the charge are a risk of passing on Covid-19 if travelling by tube or bus.
But City Fed boss Mr Reed said: “It is not right and it is not fair. Police officers should not be financially penalised for travelling to their shifts in a safe manner to protect the public.”
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