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How did hauliers fare during the first week of congestion charging?
Page 12
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"Commercial vehicles shouldn't have to pay. There are so many retail outlets in the West End that have to be delivered to. It has been quiet all over London hut this is only the first week and the schools are still on half-term. It will probably be a completely different story next week." Michael Otero, driver from John Lewis Partnership.
"Although I drive a tipper, we are exempt because we are working on contract to Westminster Council. The first day It was very quiet, but yesterday and today [Wednesday] the traffic seems to have picked up again."
Sean McKovm, driver from building contractors Conway.
"Commercial vehicles should be exempt from the charge. We have had to plan our routes around the outskirts of town rather than cutting across central London, which has added time onto our journey. It has been quieter but we shall have to wait until next week to see how different It really is,"
Joe Haritnett of Gunn Transport, London.
"Our first impressions are that It has got harder to move outside the zone and drivers are complaining about increased traffic levels hi the surrounding boroughs. Within the zone, congestion has been better but the impression is that this will not last as it is believed to be as a result of half-term and people trying to use public transport at first—but thls will not last."
Kent-based service company
"We have had no particular problems gaining access to the zone, but incidents on Tower Bridge and the Biacirwall Tunnel resulted in extra chaos. The Woolwich Ferry service was reduced to one crossing for operational purposes. I've been working In thls location for eight years and the congestion around there was the worst I can remember, These Incidents did result in people taking panic actions to try to avoid the charge and, in the case of Tower Bridge, making very unusual turnings in the road."
National mall lapennarket chain.