Charging up for the charge

摘要

Economical and environmental pressures are changing the face of inner-city distribution vehicles. Richard Truman looks at one new London solution. The introduction of a congestion charging system in London was a controversial move, but one that is being watched carefully by other congested cities throughout the world. At first glance, the idea seems simple and effective - charge people to drive into the city centre and encourage them to use public transport. But the 5 pound (7.28 EUR) charge also applies to commercial traffic making deliveries into the city, which drives up the cost of distribution. However, there are ways of getting around the charge, and the foodservice division of Aria Foods UK's Express Dairies has taken one of them.