Why the new T-Charge scheme won't help make London greener

Sukalpa Biswas Senior Consultant, Infrastructure Asset Management at Yotta believes that simply introducing a T-charge will not help reduce emissions and highlights London's underlying infrastructure problems. Please find comment on the London T-Charge:-

Sukalpa Biswas Senior Consultant, Infrastructure Asset Management at Yotta:

“While there is a significant amount of alternative transport options in London, the new T-Charge scheme is not a viable way of helping the city to become greener. Thoughts also must be given to couriers and delivery drivers who do not necessarily have an alternative way of transporting goods to businesses in the city. It’s fine to have a target to reach zero emissions by reducing air pollution, but pushing everyone to buy electric cars is not reasonable as there is still a question of affordability. The alternative option of commuting has to be affordable and easily reachable without causing much disruption to those that live and work there.

“It is also important to consider what infrastructure improvements might be required as London begins the move to a greener city, in a bid to keep up with other leading cities around the world. Actions such as the T-Charge is trying to encourage people to purchase newer or electric cars but the infrastructure in London is not yet ready to accommodate a mass influx of these types of vehicles. For example, electric vehicles will all need regular charging points but they are not currently widely available in central London”.