Latest news with #FreedomPasses
Time Out
a day ago
- Business
- Time Out
The price of London's 60+, Zip and Student Oyster Cards is going up this week
We hate to be the bearers of bad news, but from tomorrow (Tuesday, July 22), the price of London's Oyster cards will go up for the first time in a decade. And the city's senior citizens are set to see the biggest increase. TfL has revealed that the price of the 60+ Oyster card will almost double from £20 to £35, while the cost of its annual eligibility check (needed if someone wants to retain their card) will increase from £10 to £18. If someone needs to replace their card, they'll also now have to pay £18 instead of the previous £10. As for the young 'uns, the Oyster Zip cards that provide half price tube travel and free bus journeys for kids, students, apprentices and care leavers, will all go up by £1. The replacement fee for those cards will also increase from £10 to £11. On top of all that, TfL has plans to increase the prices of new Oyster cards and Visitor Oyster cards from £7 to £10 in September. Freedom Passes are safe from the price hike, as they're managed by London Councils TfL said that the price hikes are necessary for helping it deal with wider financial constraints. It said that the huge hike for the 60+ card in particular is down to the fact that it has the 'biggest gap between the estimated revenue that we would receive were these journeys paid for, and the income we receive through fee'. Alex Williams, chief customer and strategy officer at TfL, said: 'We are fully committed to keeping travel in London affordable and accessible to everyone. 'Our fees for photocards haven't increased in 10 years, and these changes will mean that we can continue to provide these concessions while ensuring that the fees better reflect our costs for operating the schemes.' Of course, the news isn't going to be music to Londoners' ears. Michael Roberts, chief executive of London TravelWatch, said: 'Higher TfL photocard fees, especially for the over-60s, will be unwelcome news to Londoners who continue to feel the pinch of the ongoing cost of living crisis and some of the most expensive public transport fares in Europe. 'Annual index-linked increases might in future avoid big hikes in fees, but it's disappointing that more isn't being done to soften the blow this year for 60+ card holders on lower incomes. Londoners will be wondering what further unpleasant revenue-raising surprises TfL might have in store over the coming months.' London Oyster card price increases
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Last chance to have your say on parking issues in Lewisham
Residents and businesses have until next week to share their views on parking and pavement safety issues in a new consultation. The survey is part of phase three of Lewisham Council's Sustainable Streets programme and covers around 60 per cent of the borough. The survey asks people what they think about parking issues in some or all of the following wards: Bellingham, Catford South, Crofton Park, Deptford, Downham, Forest Hill, Grove Park, Hither Green, Ladywell, New Cross Gate, Perry Vale, and Sydenham. Local people have until Monday, June 16 to share their perspective via an online survey. The survey will help shape changes that aim to enhance Lewisham's streets. Controlled parking zones (CPZs) are a key feature of the Sustainable Streets programme. The consultation will take place in two stages. In the first stage, people can identify parking issues in their neighbourhood and propose ideas for improvement. If the feedback indicates significant local parking pressures, the council will develop proposals for Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) and other measures such as cycle storage and parking, electric vehicle charging points, or more street trees, and consult residents on the proposed plans before any final decisions are made. To improve safety and visibility at junctions, double yellow lines and junction protection markings will be introduced. However, if no wider parking concerns are raised, these are likely to be the only changes made. All money generated from parking permits is reinvested back into the local area, funding transport and highways improvements. These improvements include subsidised Freedom Passes for older and disabled people. Residents and businesses in the consultation areas are encouraged to participate in the online survey by June 16, 2024. Depending on the type of vehicle, residential parking permits in the borough will range from £85 to £158 per year. This facelift is aimed at decreasing unnecessary car use and is part of the borough's response to the climate emergency. It also contributes towards improving air quality and quality of life for residents. For the first year after the introduction of new CPZs, a 15 per cent discount will be given to residents and businesses. This means most drivers would pay between £7.08 and £13.17 per month. Lewisham Council, in its bid to promote a more inclusive parking policy, also allows eligible residents to apply for a visitor parking permit or a disabled parking permit. Visitor permits allow guests to park in resident bays within CPZs. Disabled resident permits are free, valid for 12 months, and allow parking in any resident, dual, or triple use bay across the borough. It is noteworthy that housing estate residents get lower parking costs, with a 75 per cent discount in the first year and 50 per cent in subsequent years. Councillor Krupski, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Climate Action emphasised the importance of involving residents in this programme. He said: "It's vital that we work closely with residents and listen to their experiences - whether they're finding it hard to park near their home, are concerned about pavement safety, or want greener, more accessible streets. "This programme is all about listening to local people. "By working together, we can shape changes that really meet the needs of each area. "We're committed to cutting down on car journeys in Lewisham and encouraging more walking, cycling and public transport. "That means better air quality, safer roads and healthier, more welcoming streets for everyone."
