The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has responded to new proposals for a road pricing scheme to replace London's Congestion Charge and stated its belief that only those who have a choice in entering the capital should be charged.

FTA head of national and regional policy and public affairs Christopher Snelling argued that congestion remains one of the biggest problems on London's roads and therefore an effective deterrent is needed to keep the transport network as clear as possible.

However, implementing a new blanket charging scheme that penalises those road users who have little choice but to enter the charging area to the same extent as those who do not is seen as a blunt tool.

"If road pricing is not just to be a tax on London it needs to focus on those who have an alternative – mainly the car or taxi user," he stated.

Mr Snelling went on to argue that the freight industry transports more than 400,000 tonnes of goods into and out of the capital every day.

It is therefore unfair to issue the same blanket charges to this group, as they provide an essential function, without which the city would grind to a halt.

Ben Robb, brand manager at The Fuelcard People, adds: "Plans to amend the existing Congestion Charge scheme need to be considered carefully by London's authorities, as the implications of getting this wrong could have a detrimental impact on millions of road users in the coming years."

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