Shake-up for C-charge

30th March 2009

Congestion charge payment machines are being axed – as London prepares for a major overhaul of its carbon-busting scheme.

The units, which allow drivers to pay the £8 daily fee by credit card at car parks across the capital, will make way for a new system later this year.
Automatic payment, toll-style car tagging and off-peak rates are among the changes being proposed. Transport for London says the move will help curb the number of motorists currently fined for forgetting to pay the fee by taking the money directly from drivers’ C-charge accounts.

Last year, motorists entering the congestion zone racked up a penalty charge bill of £73million – revenue that the Government will have to find elsewhere if the new system is a success.

The changes are due to come into effect in November, when current operator Capita loses its management contract to IBM.

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