TfL has announced the suspension of the Congestion Charge and the Ultra Low Emission Zone in a bid to help critical workers.
This change will come into effect from Monday 23 March. It is being done to help critical workers — especially NHS workers — travel around London without hinderance. However, it is also being done to aid businesses, and keep the supply chain of supermarkets and other key businesses functioning.
This is not an open invitation for people to hop in their cars and drive through central London. It is still vital that the roads are clear for essential journeys only.
Cycling is also being encouraged. Hospital staff are to be given a code that waives the 24 hour access code to Santander Cycles — in effect giving them a free 30 minute journey on a bike. Docking stations close to hospitals are being closely monitored and supported, to make sure they remain well stocked.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said:
People should not be travelling, by any means, unless they really have to. London's roads should now only be used for essential journeys. To help our critical workers get to work and for essential deliveries to take place, I have instructed TfL to temporarily suspend the Congestion Charge, ULEZ and Low Emission Zone from Monday.
This is not an invitation to take to your cars. To save lives we need the roads clear for ambulances, doctors, nurses and other critical workers. This is an unprecedented time and I know Londoners are doing everything they can to look after each other. I continue to urge all Londoners to follow the advice of public health authorities and not leave their homes unless it is absolutely essential.
Keep up to date on all the latest London coronavirus news here.
