Coronavirus and Congestion Charges: How Is the Moving Business in London Affected?

As the British capital is preparing to return to semi-normalcy after the Coronavirus lockdown, some serious changes have been introduced to the city. Since 18.05.2020 the congestion charges in London have been restored, under the terms of a £1.6bn government bailout. This emergency funding will keep the public transport running through to September. However, congestion charges will be increased from the 22.06.2020 from £11.50 to £15. Transport for London (TfL) stated the price would stay for at least a year. In addition, the congestion charge will be extended to cover the period from 07:00 to 22:00, seven days a week.

• These measurements will ensure:
• The survival of the TfL
• More people turning to public transport and avoiding driving their own vehicles
• Large gatherings and enough social distance

The TfL officials said their goal was to “create more space for social distancing when walking and cycling, ensuring that the people who have no choice but to return to work in central London can do so as safely as possible.”
Downing Street also backed up this decision by assuring the congestion charge will ”only applied to a small area of central London.”

However, how will this change reflect on the businesses that were already suffering under the COVID-19 crisis? Moving and delivery companies will be the first ones “hit” by the price change.

One of the owners of Top Removals explains the situation, and there is a lot to think about.
“The COVID-19 pandemic made the business climate very unstable. We were compelled to let got some of our staff members and enforce a lot of new company regulations. People are afraid to get in contact with others which makes our job even harder. Now with the increase of the congestion charges, we will be compelled to alter our prices to meet up the market’s expectation. London moving companies will be put in the uncomfortable spot of having to bill more their clients. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel. All of this is a perfect opportunity for businesses to evolve and start offering better customer service and be more attentive to details. If a company wants to be successful, it needs to be adaptable. Offering video surveys, extensive phone consultations and better site organisation will lead to reducing the costs. Top Removals is investing a lot in specialised trainings which allow the movers to work fast and efficient, saving both time and money. We will do everything in our power to reduce the additional expenses coming from congestion charges and parking fees. As always the customer is king, and we intend to go above and beyond for them.”

So here you got it straight from the CEOs of one of London’s most reputable removal agencies, companies should step up their game if they want to survive in the post coronavirus environment. It is no longer enough to be good at what you do. To stay on top, you need to be exceptionally good and make up for the increased costs, especially for your customers within the conjunction area.

Stephanie Cooper

Stephanie is a content marketing specialist for Top Removals for the past several years. She has extensive experience working with moving companies and knows her audience. Stephanie creates engaging and useful content helping the customers of Top Removals with their struggles and providing them with the most accurate insight.