Sadiq Khan’s announcement on Transport for London (TfL) fares this year means he plans to introduce a pay-by-the-mile charge on motorists if he wins the election in May, it has been claimed.
The Labour London Mayor’s Conservative rival Susan Hall has pointed to plans already being put in place to allow charging by the mile on top of Khan’s crippling expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).
Ms Hall, a London Assembly member, believes that the freeze in fares is an election gimmick with Khan and his team worrying that his unpopularity could see him ousted by voters in London.
She told Express.co.uk: “The only way Sadiq Khan can freeze fares is by bringing in his pay-per-mile scheme, which would force all drivers to pay a new tax for every mile you drive. This week, his team revealed he is spending up to £150million building the technology for 2026 and he has openly admitted that he was inspired by Singapore’s pay-per-mile system.
“Sadiq Khan cannot be allowed to wage war on motorists like this. Londoners are not going to be fooled by airy promises that come with heavy taxes later. In May, I will put a stop to his ULEZ expansion and his pay-per-mile plans.”
The freeze in fares has shocked many because Mr Khan’s mishandling of TfL has already seen the Government have to bail it out.
There was a warning that his decision to freeze fares would end up starving the creaking transport network in London of the investment it desperately needs.
Maxwell Marlow, director of research at the Adam Smith Institute, said: “Freezing fares is impoverishing London. That’s a real cut in income for TfL.
“That means less investment in maintenance, less on salaries and pensions (so more strikes), and a worse experience for Londoners.”
But Mr Khan has insisted that his move is a response to the cost of living crisis.
In his press release, Mr Khan said: “The cost-of-living crisis continues to hit Londoners hard. That’s why I’ve decided to step in again to freeze TfL fares. Not only will this put money back in people’s pockets, making transport more affordable for millions of Londoners, but will encourage people back onto our public transport network. This will help to boost London’s culture, retail and hospitality sectors.
“While people across the country face another hike in their rail fares, I simply wasn’t prepared to stand by and see TfL customers face a similar hike.”
Ms Hall has said she will wait until Mr Khan’s actual budget is presented to the Greater London Assembly in February before committing to transport costs herself for the May election.
Previously there have been major changes between Mr Khan’s draft budget, which was introduced today, and the final version presented for GLA members to vote on.
