MORE THAN A THIRD OF C-CHARGE INCOME IS FROM FINES

12.01.00am GMT Wed 24th Nov 2004

New figures revealed today by the London Assembly Liberal Democrats show that more than a third of all revenue generated by the Congestion Charge is the result of fines rather than people paying before 10pm.

The figures, taken from a Mayoral answer, show that for financial year 2004-2005 up to mid October 2004, the revenue from Charge Income was £64.2m, while the revenue from Enforcement Income was £38.5m - 37% of total revenue.

The information also revealed that the proportion of income the Congestion Charge has received as fines, rather than payment has increased by 5% over the previous year. In 2003/04, the revenue from Charge Income was £115.6m while the revenue from Enforcement Income was £55.6m.

The Liberal Democrats renewed their calls for the period for paying at the normal rate to be extended up to midnight, and for all of the following day, giving drivers an extra 26 hours to pay the £5.

London Assembly Liberal Democrat Transport Spokesperson, Lynne Featherstone, said:-

"These figures show that the Mayor is heavily reliant on people forgetting to pay their charge to help him balance his Congestion Charge books. When more than a third of his C-charge cash comes from fines, serious questions must be asked about his commitment to making the charge easier to use.

"Mayor Livingstone has often gone on record to say that he didn't care whether the C-charge was making or losing money. However, the current charge fining structure appears to have nothing to do with reducing congestion and everything to do with raising a bob-or-two.

"It is time the Mayor stopped clobbering motorists who intend to pay the charge but miss the 10pm deadline and give them an extra day to pay."

ENDS

Notes to editor

The figures have been taken from the Mayoral answer from Ken Livingstone published on the 23rd November 2004

Congestion Charge Revenue

Question No: 1555 / 2004

Can you tell me what percentage (and cash value) of congestion charge revenue comes from: a. The £5 fee b. Penalty Charge Notices Please could you break down these figures by year for 2003 and 2004? Does Transport for London categorise the £10 fee between 10pm and Midnight as a fine or a fee?

For financial year 2003-2004 the revenue from Charge Income was £115.6m; the revenue from Enforcement Income was £55.6m; thus Enforcement revenues were 32 % of total revenues.

For financial year 2004-2005 up to mid October 2004, the revenue from Charge Income was £64.2m; the revenue from Enforcement Income was £38.5m; thus Enforcement revenues were 37% of total revenues.

PCN revenues account for approximately 95% of the total Enforcement Revenues, the remaining 5% includes clamping, removal and bailiff fees.

The £10 is categorised as a 'charge', comprising both the £5 charge plus a £5 surcharge.