Before you drive into London...

[Giantvanman]

Not driven in the Congestion/Polution zone because I've not needed to, but from the number of posts complaining about the traffic, it seems that the "Congestion" Zone mesasures are simply not working anyway......or am I missing something here?

Soon after it was brought in, they started the program of increasing the number of bus and cycle lanes reducing capacity, widening pavements near bus stops producing choke points and eliminating recessed bus stops and moving them into the main carriageway and they adjusted the traffic light sequences to hold traffic up in an effort to deter drivers.....I remember BJ admitting that was happening.

 

[markjay]

Yes, the official stance was that Congestion Charge is used to reduce traffic volume while keeping the same level of congestion by converting road space into cycle lanes.

Quite a few roads were converted from dual carriageway to single lane plus wide two-way cycle lane.

 

[Londonscottish]

Yes, the official stance was that Congestion Charge is used to reduce traffic volume while keeping the same level of congestion by converting road space into cycle lanes.

Quite a few roads were converted from dual carriageway to single lane plus wide two-way cycle lane.

When I was younger and more car-centric I often used to drive to meetings and/or the office. As recently as 2011 my them employer would pay my petrol, CC and parking if I drove my C43 in to the office and I did take advantage of it, particularly when the tube was too hot in the summer.

Around that point, though, I started cycling across the city. The improvements for a cyclist since the early 90's are simply vast and make it a joy. It cuts down on cars, takes people off the tube, helps reduce pollution and helps keep my heart rate nice and low (52 BPM this morning).

Shame I have to breathe all the NOx and particulates but hopefully that's all going to improve now.

 

[David404]

Whilst my understanding is that as a Euro 4 car I'd not be paying the additional charge I am glad that I don't live anywhere near London. Truly awful place.

That said Birmingham will only be a couple of years behind and their charging is likely to clobber anything less then Euro 5 so in current car that would be me. Solution I'll just avoid Birmingham, no skin off my nose but a loss to retail traders in Birmingham, as time goes by I'm less and less likely to visit a high street to buy anything.

As I've said many times before the state has but just one answer to every single problem. Spend more, tax us more.

 

[grimree]

Used to go to College in London in the early '60's, always came home with a headache and when you blew your nose there was a fall of soot, London was a sh*t hole then, and it still is, any excuse not to go near it is appreciated

 

[zipdip]

You have my permission to shoot me if I ever drive in London again,if I lived there I would not own a car.

 

[markjay]

...As I've said many times before the state has but just one answer to every single problem. Spend more, tax us more.

There are quite a few very good solutions which will work well, however they cost money as opposed to generate money so unlikely to happen...

How about no cars at all in city centres Mon-Fri 7-6 (apart for the emergency services), and frequent and free electric public transport for all?

Of course, this can only happen when building a new city... because it will put thousands of taxi and minicab drivers out of work.

So perhaps the first step will be no private cars or good vehicles, with free buses and subsidised taxis?

Either way, it's idle talk, the budgets required will never be made available anyway.

 

[merc85]

Well since this thread I've been contesting cclondon TFL, As my Car wasn't subject to the charge but then TFL had a system update and said my car was tobe charged the T-charge.

Everyone elses e55k wasn't subject to this charge. I've been past pillar to post a made numerious phone calls to Dvla and Tfl. After hours and hours I've Won my Case! My 2002 e55k is not not chargeable.

This was a big deal for as i have to take my Sick children to Gt Ormond Street, The Mistake in the end sits at the Dvla's door as Section 4 , D1, Make state it as a Mercedes E55ML and "model section" was left blank. I'm now in the motions of getting the Dvla to change it.

I wonder how many people just roll over and take it up the ****

Anyway just thought id share this outcome.

 

[markmifsud]

Everyone elses e55k wasn't subject to this charge. I've been past pillar to post a made numerious phone calls to Dvla and Tfl. After hours and hours I've Won my Case! My 2002 e55k is not not chargeable.
.

Congrats on winning your case, but once the new ULEZ starts in 2019 you will be back to square one. At least thats how I understand the rules.

 

[merc85]

And providing it applies to every other e55 of the same year etc etc thats fine with me. Just seemed right that i shouldnt have to pay it if every other owner didn't have to.

 

[el.mag]

The new T-Charge kicks in from tomorrow, so don't get stung unnecessarily! Luckily I only need to drive into town in the evenings or at weekends

All you need to know about the new T-charge

You can check if your car is liable: T-Charge checker

Thank you for posting the information. Luckily my E320 is not on the list, probably just about scraped through the list....

 

[roheel]

Well since this thread I've been contesting cclondon TFL, As my Car wasn't subject to the charge but then TFL had a system update and said my car was tobe charged the T-charge.

Everyone elses e55k wasn't subject to this charge. I've been past pillar to post a made numerious phone calls to Dvla and Tfl. After hours and hours I've Won my Case! My 2002 e55k is not not chargeable.

This was a big deal for as i have to take my Sick children to Gt Ormond Street, The Mistake in the end sits at the Dvla's door as Section 4 , D1, Make state it as a Mercedes E55ML and "model section" was left blank. I'm now in the motions of getting the Dvla to change it.

I wonder how many people just roll over and take it up the ****

Anyway just thought id share this outcome.

Im going through the same thing at the moment as you re my B200 Turbo. Everything shows it meets Euro 4 standards. Even Merc have provided this in wrting yet TFL dont want to know. They have passed me to DVLA who then passed me back to TFL. Who did you speak to and what does it state when you do the check now on the website?

 

[merc85]

My situation involved the Old and New Reg numbers, I sent Via email the v5c of both plates, Stating my situation, 1st time i was told i needed the Certificate of conformity from MB £125! I then Sent a further 2 emails to 2 different email address's at TFL to finally get the all clear.

Website has updated and car is no longer chargeable, Only the Congestion charge applies.

 

[roheel]

same here. If i put my old reg in all is fine, new private reg, computer says no. do you mind sending me the email addresses you used pls via PM? Does the website state you are not effected, or you are effected but wont be charged?