FLEETS are being invited to comment on a ten-point plan for road user-charging in London which could send costs and paperwork soaring for the industry. The plan is unveiled in a discussion document, which claims charges are vital to combat congestion.

A key question is the boundary of the charging area, currently planned to be the Inner Ring Road, bounded by Marylebone Road, Euston Road, Pentonville Road, Tower Bridge, Elephant and Castle, Vauxhall Bridge, Victoria and Hyde Park Corner. Views on suggested charges of £5 per car and £15 for lorries are also sought, along with planned operating times of 7am to 7pm Monday to Friday. Exemptions are proposed to cover buses, taxis, emergency vehicles and vehicles for people with disabilities, but suggestions on other users are wanted, along with the merits of a discount for motorbikes and residents of the charging area.

London Mayor Ken Livingstone said: 'As mayor, tackling the transport crisis facing our city is my top priority. The only way to ease traffic congestion is to encourage motorists to switch from their cars to public transport.'

David Harvey, head of small business at the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, added: 'The total cost to companies delivering much-needed supplies to shops throughout the UK could be billions of pounds and could lead to higher prices for household goods.'

  • The discussion document 'Hearing London's Views', is available on the Greater London Authority's website

What's your view? E-mail us at:fleetnews@automotive.emap.co.uk