The Freight Transport Association says Transport for London tried to bury the bad news of a £2 price hike for London's daily Congestion Charge.  TfL announced the rise amid the news of the recent Comprehensive Spending Review.  Natalie Chapman, FTA's head of policy for London says she suspects that the announcement's timing was "not purely a coincidence," given the "dire" business implications of the rise.  The FTA wanted TfL to cap the commercial vehicle rate at £7 with different prices for essential business or discretionary car use, but TfL ignored the advice.  New, higher charges start in two months, on 4 January.  The move means Congestion Charge prices are up 42% since their start in 2003.
More from Liam Northfield on +44 (0)1 892 552 255 or lnorthfield@fta.co.uk