The Congestion Charge was brought in to reduce congestion by former Mayor Ken Livingstone. Wisely, he allowed both London Taxis and PHVs to be exempt as both modes reduce car ownership and the number of private vehicle journeys in London.

The arrival of app-based platform operators who, in some cases, refer to themselves as ride-hailers, and whose drivers allegedly often come into central London without work, has caused more PHV activity in the Congestion Charging Zone (CCZ) in our view. This is because those entering without a job, once the fee is applicable, have no reason not to stay longer.

This could and should have been prevented, as it was illegal for London licensed PHVs to enter the CCZ without a booking, whilst undertaking a job, or going to a pre-booked one in the zone. Regrettably, little or no enforcement took place, so this practice remains unchecked.

Wrongly, London PHVs ' exemption was removed but, as a consequence, there has been little or no change in the number of PHVs in Central London who, we allege, often now just pay a fee and stay far longer. Not only has this, in our view, reduced the number of licensed taxis but taking away the exemption has been counterproductive to the primary objective of reducing congestion.

The proposed increase to £18 will only harm those who are dependent on PHV journeys that need to enter the CCZ, such as non-vehicle owners, and the elderly, frail and disabled, for example.

The LPHCA therefore believes a full inquiry should take place into re-instating the London PHVs CCZ exemption.