IWGB union says lifting congestion charge exemption for minicabs in London will punish precarious workers and give Uber a free pass

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IWGB union says lifting congestion charge exemption for minicabs in London will punish precarious workers and give Uber a free pass

Transport for London today launched a public consultation on measures to reduce traffic and improve air quality in central London. The new proposals would see the exemption from the Congestion Charge for private hire vehicles removed and the introduction of a new Cleaner Vehicle Discount to replace the Ultra Low Emission Discount.It is proposed that these changes would take effect from 8 April 2019, and by ensuring that the emission standard for those receiving a full discount are tighter than the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), would help to further drive demand for the greenest vehicles.

However, James Farrar, Chair of the private hire drivers branch of the IWGB said: "Lifting the congestion charge exemption will punish some of the poorest and most exploited workers in London while Uber, Addison and their customers continue to get a free ride. Drivers will be forced to work longer hours to cover the additional cost which will worsen rather than ease congestion. The only way to reduce minicab congestion in London is to cap out of control licensing and the Mayor must agree a plan with central government to do so urgently."

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