Fee proposed to drive into London from surrounding counties

Transport for London are planning to charge drivers to enter the capital to address their funding crises.

One idea is a charge of £3.50 which would rise to £5.50 for polluting vehicles that fail the ULEZ test. An introduction of October 2023 is proposed for cars registered outside London. Emergency service vehicles, taxis and blue badge holders would be exempt,

The charge would apply to cars registered outside London. Expect a surge in cars registered within London from those living outside.

Tax income

One point of contention is that most funds raised from Vehicle Excise Duty taxes in London are spent outside the capital. TfL have asked to retain funds raised in London to spend in London – and were previously supported by senior London Tories. If they can retain more of the £500 million annually raised in London, the fee may not be introduced.

Letter from Gareth Bacon in 2018 seeking retention of VED in London

Public transport fares will also rise above inflation in March. London already has some of the highest public transport fares in the world.

A report drawn up for TfL shows average fare levels in parts of the world, with London levels some way above:

December 2020 report

Many developed nations support public transport through general taxation to a far higher level than London and the rest of England. Devolution is also weak in England leaving little scope for many cities to raise local taxes. This has left TfL extremely reliant on fare revenue, which is now hit so badly. There is little safety net compared to other cities across the world.

London is heavily reliant on fares.

The cost of pubic transport has also risen faster than annual wages in London.

Bailout funds have come with many strings attached, with much in the form of a loan that will need repaying.

Due to the way England funds transport, this means costs for drivers and public transport users look set to rise yet further.

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I've lived in south east London most of my life growing up in Greenwich borough and working in the area for many years. The site has contributors on occasion and we cover many different topics. Living and working in the area offers an insight into what is happening locally.

9 thoughts on “Fee proposed to drive into London from surrounding counties

  • A good first step, but this should be £15 not £3.50, this won’t deter anyone driving into London

    Reply
  • Yes, why not hit the motorist again? Especially the older or disabled motorist who need a car to get about and are not able to cycle? The virus not killing them off quick enough for you? It’s about time they started charging cyclists to use the road considering they are throwing money left and right at cycle lanes! If cyclists want to use the roads let them pay toward them!

    Reply
    • Yeh cos cyclists damage roads and cause pollution…oh wait…

      Reply
    • Repeat after me “Drivers don’t pay for roads”. This charge should be set slightly higher than the equivalent train fare.

      Reply
    • Why do you mention cyclist, the article does not?

      Reply
    • It’s hitting motorists who live outside London, allowing those of us who live in London to have the roads invested in, cycle routes properly funded, public transport invested in and upgrade. I see no problem with this at all.

      Short sightedness to not move to a cleaner and greener future for our cities.

      Reply
  • Have a look at an electoral map of London and it is surrounded by blue. Since the Tories are the ones who have withdrawn any assistance for TfL and are forcing them to raise money in different ways, let their voters start coughing up to come into London.

    Reply
  • I thought Khan had already killed off this proposal?

    Reply
    • In a TfL Consultation Document just issued.

      Reply

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