Proposed changes to the London congestion charge

Monday, June 7th, 2010

Boris Johnson’s plans to scrap the western extension of the congestion charge, also include raising the current congestion charge from £8 to £10 and from £10 to £12 if paid the next working day.

The congestion charge was first introduced in February 2003 at £5 a day, meaning it has doubled in just seven years.

The mayor has also proposed a new account paying system to allow drivers to avoid penalty charge notices and make paying the congestion charge easier and more convenient. Customers would need a credit card or debit card and to pay a £10 registration charge for each vehicle on the account. Auto-pay customers would also be eligible for a daily charge of £9.

Julia Callan, MD at 24 7 Parking comments “ Many Londoners may well question whether increasing the congestion charge to £10 represents value for money. We have parking both inside and outside the congestion charge zone so whether this increase matter to you or not we have parking to suit your needs.”

Common sense beats car thefts

Tuesday, June 1st, 2010

With thefts from parked automobiles on the up, some people will go to the wildest extremes to protect their cars. In South Africa where the crime rate is notoriously high, some owners have taken to leaving pythons in their cars to deter thieves. And from the US we hear that one Florida resident was recently fined for having a hungry alligator in his car. Here in London, of course, it seldom gets more unusual that a vicious dog or two.

As animal lovers, we at 247 Parking cannot condone leaving animals cooped up in parked cars to deter opportunists from snatching your sat nav or your stereo. As car owners we can’t recommend it because…well let’s just say that cleaning the interior could be a tad unpleasant.
Some common sense is needed. Remove everything from your car, even coats, and stick it all in the boot. Install a car alarm. Register with Immobilise (www.immobilise.com) the free register of possession ownership details and display a sticker on your windscreen. Get a steering wheel lock. But above all else, park somewhere safe.

We at 247 Parking have been providing safe, secure and affordable parking in Central London and nationwide for nearly eight years. We can find you space in car parks or in safe residential and commercial zones where your vehicle will be safe.

“It’s mad to risk your car or its contents by parking at random in an area you don’t know. We feel that by taking responsibility for our own cars and their contents, we benefit other drivers.

Because if there are no easy pickings for car thieves then they’ll soon give up,” says 247 Parking MD Julia Callan. “As anyone who has had their car broken into will tell you, the hassle of dealing with police,  insurance and repairs far outweighs the inconvenience of spending a few moments to hide your property and secure your vehicle. And the cost of a secure block-booked parking space far outweighs increased insurance premiums.”

About 24 7 Parking:
Established in 2002, 24 7 Parking are experts in finding car parking in London and across the UK. Whether clients are looking for a months’ parking or a years’ parking, 24 7 Parking will find the most convenient and cost effective options.

Contact details:
24 7 Parking Limited,
309 Linen Hall,
162-168 Regent Street,
London
W1B 5TD
Tel: 020 7183 7247
Email: info@247parking.com

Plans unveiled to scrap western extension of the congestion charge

Tuesday, June 1st, 2010

The proposed abolition of the western extension of the congestion charge has been outlined by Boris Johnson, the mayor of London, in a formal 10-week public consultation which will close on August 2.

The Conservative mayor also proposes the introduction of a “greener vehicle discount” that would exempt cars that emit 100g/km of CO2 or less and meet the “Euro V” standard for air quality, in an attempt to encourage much cleaner and more carbon efficient cars. This would be reviewed in three years to ensure that the congestion charge and environmental benefits of the scheme are being maintained.

A review of the western extension was first promised during the mayoral election in 2008. Transport for London predicts a revenue loss of £55m, and an increase in congestion and air pollutants in the west London area.

On traffic and congestion, Tfl also maintains that a number of measures will minimise problems, such as accelerated installation of computer-optimised traffic signals, the London roadworks permit scheme and continued workplace and school travel planning.

Johnson said “West London never wanted the western extension and it is right that residents there can now tell us whether this Christmas should see the end of it. The central zone still plays a useful role but it has to be administered more fairly and straightforwardly, which is why I’m delighted the proposals include changes that should mean no one need ever be fined again.”

Julia Callan, MD at 24 7 Parking comments “The mayor is right to purpose removing the western extension as the majority of residents and businesses were originally opposed to it.”