The congestion charge will take effect on February 17, but as the cost of delivering goods and services increases, there appears to be little prospect of an improvement in vehicle operations.

Because commercial vehicles do not qualify as essential, London's industry and its residents must pay a 'stealth tax' on their operations, according to the FTA. And because every available economy of consolidating loads, out-of-hours deliveries and other efficiency measures have already been utilised, the association warns that the scheme is unlikely to deter operations.

The FTA, in common with London wholesalers, has campaigned for commercial vehicles to be exempt from the scheme – so far without success.

For further information visit www.fta.co.uk