Congestion charge 'unfair to poor' say MPs

You knew it was coming but do you really know how it works?

An influential committee of MPs has criticised the congestion charge scheme to be launched in London next week, warning against similar projects being adopted elsewhere in Britain.

The Transport Select Committee, in a report published today, backs attempts to cut congestion in British cities but raises concerns about the scheme chosen by Mayor Ken Livingstone, and the impact it will have on Londoners.

The report says the London scheme disadvantages the poor, could lead to problems elsewhere on the road network and does not have the benefit of a pilot study to iron out "teething problems".

Gwyneth Dunwoody, the committee chair, said: "Although we support the Mayor's objectives, we are concerned about the way the scheme is implemented and the systems which support it."

The report calls on the Mayor to minimise the "pain" of the charge. Future schemes are urged to resist measures that "merely displace traffic", moving the problem from one place to another.

On Monday, 17 February, however, London commuters are set to bear the brunt of those displacement tactics, as the world's largest congestion charging scheme takes effect.

From then, motorists driving through the 8sq-mile heart of central London, inside the Inner Ring Road, between 7am and 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, will be charged £5, with fines of £80 (rising to £1,000 for charge evasion) for failure to pay up.

The Transport for London scheme, brainchild of Mayor Ken Livingstone, has been controversial from the word go. Critics have seized on the failure of the authorities to inform the public about what it will mean. Here, The Independent on Sunday does just that, in an easy-to-follow guide to the new charge.

Supporters insist the time is right to introduce the scheme. They warn that congestion in London would otherwise reach Bangkok levels within 10 years. The scheme is expected to reduce traffic by 15 per cent.

Dr David Begg, the Commissioner for Integrated Transport, said of the charge: "Without it, I would have no confidence in traffic falling in the future. Is it not sensible to introduce a radical measure to tackle congestion where it is most acute?"

Despite the wrangling, all, including the Mayor, agree that the political fate of Mr Livingstone is linked to the fate of the congestion charge.

Mr Livingstone has sold the scheme on the basis that revenue from it will be used to improve public transport.

But Transport for London's own figures illustrate that one of the biggest winners is the private firm chosen to run the scheme, the outsourcing specialist Capita, which is likely to make £28m profit over the course of its contract.

Public transport won't see a penny in the first two years, after which the scheme is expected to make an average of £130m a year. Ironically, that amount relies on substantial numbers of people being fined for failure to pay up.

What is the congestion charge?

After 17 February 2003, driving in London's eight-square-mile, congestion-charge zone between 7am and 6.30pm on weekdays will cost £5. Bank Holidays are free.

How does it work?

You pay to register your vehicle's registration number on a central database. Cameras then photograph your numberplate and check it against the database. Once paid, you can re-enter the zone as many times as you wish during that charging period.

Must I pay before entering?

No. You can pay until 10pm on the day.

Can I pay in advance?

You can pay up to 90 days in advance for specific dates.

How do I pay?

At 150 PayPoint outlets inside the zone and 1,200 inside the M25 – shops, petrol stations, hospitals, some NCP or Masterpark car parks and motorway service stations.

Online at www.cclondon.com and from 120 online BT phone boxes, by phone or text to 0845 900 1234 (local rate). Minicom: 020 7649 9123.

By payment application form: Congestion Charging, PO Box 2985, Coventry CV7 8ZR.

By Fast Track Card, which has a pin number you can quote over the phone.

What happens if I forget?

You can pay until midnight, although the charge rises to £10 between 10pm and 12am. You are then liable to a fine of £80, reduced to £40 if you pay within two weeks. It rises to £120 after 28 days. Your vehicle may be clamped or towed away if it has three or more unpaid fines.

Can I appeal against a fine?

Appeal to Transport for London, which will have photographic evidence at its disposal. If your appeal fails, you can write to the Parking and Traffic Appeals Service, PO Box 1010, Sutton, Surrey, SM1 4SW.

Discounts and exemptions

You are eligible for a discount if you are: disabled (blue-badge holder) – 100 per cent discount; resident within the zone – 90 per cent discount; driver of an alternative fuel vehicle – 100 per cent discount (see right); driver of a registered recovery vehicle – 100 per cent discount.

You are exempt if you:

Drive a vehicle with more than nine seats, which is registered as a bus with the DVLA; or drive a two-wheeled vehicle: motorbikes, mopeds, bicycles.

Which alternative fuel cars qualify for the discount?

Electric or petrol/electric: Citroen Berlingo Electrique; Honda Civic IMA; Honda Insight; Toyota Prius. LPG models: Ford Transit 2.3; Ford Focus 1.8; Rover 75 1.8; Rover 25; Vauxhall Astra 1.8 16v Sxi.

How do I register?

You need to submit a form, obtainable from: Congestion Charging, PO Box 2985, Coventry, CV78WR. Or phone: 0845 900 1234. Or visit www.cclondon.com. You will need to include a cheque for £10. You will then receive a "discount eligibility letter". Until then, you will still have to pay the daily charge but may apply for a refund later. Those eligible for full discounts must still register.

How do I get a refund?

Refunds are available for unused days if you have paid monthly or annually for a £10 administrative charge. Visit the TfL website at www. londontransport.co.uk/tfl to download a refund form. Tickets cannot be block-booked in advance. When booking,the days of travel must be specified.

Any legal avoidance tactics?

No. There are 700 cameras, 90 per cent of which are on the borders of the zone. Ten mobile camera units will patrol the area. Numberplates are legally required to be visible, and the fine for tampering with them is £1,000.

London traffic facts:

1.1 million people use public transport to get into central London every day.

250,000 vehicles enter "the zone" every weekday.

20,000 drivers are expected to switch to public transport, and 30,000 to make "alternative arrangements".

15,000 are expected to start using buses, and Tube bosses expect another 5,000 passengers a day.

300 buses have been added to London's fleet of 6,500.

Research by Lucy Stephens and Caroline Ryder