The congestion charge should be tailored to make it more expensive to drive on days when air pollution is high, a potential mayor of London candidate suggested today.
Motorists could be charged up to a few pounds more than the standard rate of £11.50 to discourage them from using their cars, under plans set out by transport expert Christian Wolmar.
The candidate for the Labour mayoral nomination said drivers could also be charged more to use routes which were congested or undergoing roadworks.
The “smart-charging” proposals set out by Mr Wolmar would give Transport for London bosses greater control over the capital’s busiest roads. A similar system in Singapore has resulted in 65 per cent of commuters using public transport.
Mr Wolmar also proposed altering the boundaries of the zone and bringing in “mini-zones” at Heathrow and town centres such as Croydon.
He told the Standard: “We need a more flexible system.
“This is not about revenue raising but about trying to ensure people avoid busy streets and are encouraged to use less busy routes.”
Other proposals from the transport journalist include a £1.50 one-hour bus ticket, which would allow passengers to swap buses within the time frame, and extending the Oystercard to cycle hire and car clubs.
