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75% of small businesses to oppose £25 C-Charge
David Williams, Motoring Editor16.10.07
Nearly three quarters of small businesses in London oppose plans to raise the congestion charge for gas-guzzlers, a survey reveals today.
Over half of those surveyed said the increase from £8 to £25 would damage trade in the capital.
The survey of more than 320 people by the Federation of Small Businesses claimed that the existing charge - introduced in 2003 - had already been damaging to about half of London's businesses.
In response to Transport for London's consultation into the £25 charge which closes this week, the FSB said congestion charging was unfair because it did not distinguish between businessmen who had to use a car for work - and commuters unwilling to use public transport.
The FSB's spokeswoman Sue Terpilowski said: "Many businesses have seen suppliers increase costs to cover the congestion charge, but most have absorbed the cost, rather than pass it on to their customers. As a result, 85 per cent have said the current charge has had a negative effect on their business."
She added that a rise in the congestion charge would make things "worse".
Under plans announced by Mayor Ken Livingstone, the £25 charge for "gas-guzzling" vehicles will not be introduced until after next year's mayoral elections, on 1 May.
A spokesman for TfL said: "The FSB has been consistently wrong on the impact of congestion charging. In reality, last year retail sales in central London increased 11.6 per cent, almost 10 times more than the rest of the UK."
Reader views (3)
Unfortunatley it won't matter what businesses want. Ken Livingstone will introduce it anyway. Look what happened with the extension to the congestion charge area!
- Garry Graham, London
If it's such a good idea, who won't Mayor Ken introduce it before the May elections. Bit of a vote loser, maybe?
Mind you his Low Emissions Zone will happen before May, and will be disastrous for transport businesses and consumers. Hasta la vista baby.
- Roy Bracken, West Hampstead, London
Claims by the Tfl that "...last year retail sales in central London increased 11.6 per cent, almost 10 times more than the rest of the UK." - is spurious to see the least and "No thanks to Congestion charging" at best!
- Nnamdi, London Docklands
