Plan to increase congestion charge by 15%

The Federation of Small Businesses in London supports TFL's efforts to address future congestion which costs micro firms time and money.

However, TFL must ensure small businesses are not excessively burdened at a time of increasing economic pressures, especially when micro firms are dependent on their vehicle for essential business journeys.

72 per cent of small firms said their car/van is crucial to their business.

The congestion charge and emission related discount schemes have already resulted in a disproportionate financial burden on small businesses that have had to spend time and money on compliance.

This proposed hike in the congestion charge underlines what every London driver knows - that the charge is nothing to do with congestion or CO2 and everything to do with cash, in effect a tax.

Congestion in the capital is already well above pre-charge levels but this is not related to an increase in the number of private cars.

A city trying to get back on its feet after recession doesn't need its key service firms to suffer from further financial burden. Some of that will be passed on to customers, which hits growth and high-street spending.

We are keen to hear what Londoners and motorists have to say about the proposed changes to the scheme.

The proposed changes will ensure the charge remains an effective deterrent to making unnecessary journeys in central London.