This August, FMB London responded to the Transport for London consultation on incoming congestion charge changes. Proposed changes include the congestion charge increasing from £15 to £18 and changes to discounts for electric vehicles.
As part of our response we conducted a snap survey of FMB members in London to get a better picture of how they are coping with increased transport costs including ULEZ, new tunnel tolls and parking charges.
Survey confirms builders impacted by ULEZ increase
ULEZ puts off builders
92% of respondents to the survey have been discouraged from working within London due to increased transport costs.
High transport costs
38% of surveyed members spend £10-£25 daily on transport costs with a further 23% paying £35-£45.
Higher costs for homeowners
Unfortunately, 60% of surveyed members are having to directly pass these costs on to homeowners.
FMB’s response to TfL
We shared the results of the survey with TfL as part of our response to the consultation and highlighted the negative effect pushing SME builders out of London would have on housing and retrofit targets and also economic growth.
Our response calls for builders to be seen as key workers, as they were during the pandemic, recognizing their vital role in improving the capital and upgrading homes. We also proposed an exemption from charges for vans used for building work – the vehicle of choice for SMEs working on repair, maintenance and improvement projects.
Former National FMB President Jan Etchells commented:
'Construction SME’s need some form of exemption for their vehicles. If a company is registered and/or licensed with a body like FMB and can prove active contracts and work sites within London they should receive an exemption. This would encourage compliance with emissions standards; support essential retrofit and improvement works and prevent skilled labour shortages due to cost barriers. FMB members cannot physically transport plant, tools and supplies on Public Transport need some assistance from TfL.'
Our consultation with TfL is ongoing. If you have feedback on the new congestion charge proposals or how TfL can help SME builders please contact London Hub Director Tom Peardon: tompeardon@fmb.org.uk
Authors
Tom Peardon
Tom represents the London membership of the FMB championing their interests to key industry stakeholders in London and providing a support to the membership.
Tom has eighteen years of experience working commercially in construction media including fifteen years on the CIOB publications Construction Management and BIMplus. Tom has also worked on the Architects’ Journal, the Architectural Review and the Association for Project Safety publication the Project Safety Journal.
Tom holds a degree in English and Philosophy from the University of Roehampton.
