Congestion charging 'to benefit businesses'

Date: 11th May 2009

Congestion charging could benefit the small business community if it is imposed within rigid criteria.

That is according to a new investigation published by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and the Freight Transport Association, which suggests that such fees could provide up to £80 million for small companies.

But the charges must be delivered in a way which will change driver habits, rather than as a taxation raising policy, the CBI claims.

Deputy director general at the group, John Cridland, said: "Reducing congestion isn't just about cutting pollution and improving our quality of life - it is also about improving the economy."

Mr Cridland added that it was necessary it was "applied the right way" if it was to effectively benefit the small business community.

Earlier this month, the Chartered Institute of Taxation published a report suggestion that environmental charges could play a major part in future government policy.