London Congestion Could Be Removed in The Evenings to Aid Night-time Economy

London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, hopes that new plans to remove the congestion charge of £15 in the evenings will bring a much-needed boost to nightlife in the capital.

During the last 18-months, the nightlife sector has been decimated – with venues closing all over the city. When asked about his proposal, Sadiq Khan said:

“As we look to the future, it’s vital the charge strikes the right balance between supporting London’s economic recovery and helping ensure it is a green and sustainable one.

“These proposals support the capital’s culture, hospitality and night-time businesses which have struggled so much, as well as encouraging people to walk, cycle and use public transport.”

The congestion charge was only recently increased last June from £11.50 to £15 to support the city’s transport network. The congestion charge will stop from 6pm for both weekdays and weekends under the new proposed plans by the mayor.

As it stands, taxi companies like Bolt and Uber are subject to a congestion charge & this is what drives the prices of their taxi services up, although this only applies until 10pm on weekdays. The new proposals would make it cheaper for club-goers and other night-time revellers who use these services, encouraging them to attend the events they want to go to in the evenings.

In response to the news on the proposals put forward by Sadiq Khan, Music Venue Trust CEO Mark Davyd said:

“We warmly welcome this step on the congestion charge by the Mayor of London. Grassroots music venues in London desperately need all the help they can get to recover from the impact of this crisis.”

“The Mayor has been consistent in his support for live music right from the first days of the pandemic and throughout the last 18 months, and this is another sensible measure that encourages artists and audiences to come together as we try to Revive Live.”

There was also further words of support for the proposed changes from Cameron Leslie, Director of Fabric, who said:

“Any measure to encourage people back into central London at this time, by whatever mode of transport, should be wholeheartedly supported.”

Londoners are encouraged to share their feedback and thoughts on the proposed changes – via the TFL website – until the 6th of October.