Request ID: FOI-0941-2122 Date published: 23 August 2021
You asked
Under the Freedom of Information Act, please define the period of time, 'temporary' closure refers to and the date as to when, registering of residents who live within the congestion charge zone - will be reinstated. It has been greater than a year, and it is unjust and discrimination that fellow neighbours are able to pay a reduced fee as registered prior to July 2020, yet I am unable to register hence am unable to receive exactly the same right.
We answered
Our ref: FOI-0941-2122/GH
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 9 August 2021 asking for information about resident registration re-opening.
Your request has been considered under the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and our information access policy. I can confirm that we do hold the information you require. The decision not to accept new applications for the Residents’ Discount was part of the temporary package of emergency measures put in place in response to the current climate, and was made in accordance with TfL’s funding agreement with Government. While the discount was originally closed to new applications from 18 May 2020, in recognition of the impact the immediate closure of the discount would have on long term residents with a car who only previously used it outside the scheme’s charging hours and therefore had no need to register for the discount, and new residents who expected more time to register, TfL continued to process all applications received up to and including 31 July 2020. There was no timescale and the changes have been under constant review since they changes were implemented. The Mayor has always been clear that the temporary changes to the Congestion Charge would be reviewed to ensure a strong economic recovery in London and one that is environmentally sustainable and fair to all. A consultation seeking views on the future operation of the Congestion Charge was opened by TfL on 28 July 2021. The plans include opening up the 90 per cent Residents’ Discount again to new applicants. Views on all of the proposals are being invited at haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/congestion-charge-changes?cid=ccyourview. The consultation will close on 6 October 2021.
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for some reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.
If you are not satisfied with this response please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely
Graham Hurt FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
