Transport for London has announced that all road user charging schemes in the capital will be temporarily suspended from Monday 23rd March until further notice.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has reportedly asked for this move to ensure London’s critical workers, particularly those in the NHS, are able to travel around London as easily as possible during this national emergency.
It has also been implemented in a bid to help support the supply chain, the effort to keep supermarkets fully stocked, and the city’s continued operation.
RHA has welcomed the move, which includes the suspension of both the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) and the central Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). Richard Burnett, RHA Chief Executive, said most trucks going into London will still be LEZ and ULEZ compliant, but the move offers firms the flexibility to use other vehicles – including vans – if and when there are driver gaps as the pandemic unfolds.
Government advice is that people need to limit social contact and travel should only be undertaken if absolutely necessary. The roads need to be kept clear for the emergency services and critical workers who need to get around by car. So, drivers are asked to consider the wider implications when thinking about using their vehicles.
