Road-user charging schemes in London and Birmingham are now crossed off the political agenda until Covid-19 infection subsides.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has instructed Transport for London to suspend the capital city’s whole Congestion Charge area, as well as its controversial Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and Low Emission Zone. color:#666666″>
Khan says the move is targeted solely at allowing identified key workers to operate without restriction or potential financial burden, and should not be viewed as an opportunity to utilise the roads more frequently. color:#666666″>
And in Birmingham, the City Council has instigated postponement of its own planned Clean Air Zone — set for introduction in August this year — until an unspecified date in 2021. color:#666666″>
Waseem Zaffar, the Council’s cabinet member for transport, explained this move on economic grounds: “Covid-19 is having a profound impact on the economy of Birmingham. Businesses are focused on trying to support their employees through an extraordinary situation, rather than upgrade their vehicle fleets.” color:#666666″>