UK recovery operators respond to literally thousands of emergency calls each and every year. Those operating in the Capital are required by the metropolitan police to assist in extreme emergency situations.

“We also assist the emergency services with accident-damaged cars, articulated lorries, coaches, and containers hauling hazardous chemicals,” said Mr Goddard.  

In his letter, he asks the London's Mayor several key question: “Does London have a fleet of recovery vehicles of its own on standby 24/7 to deal with the safe rescue and recovery of  buses, dustcarts, and articulated vehicles?  

“London is already plagued by congestion, why would any group with a responsibility to the Capital contemplate trying to compound the situation?  Recovery vehicles are not driven in London for fun or leisure activities, only as a response for assistance; essential to safer and consistent traffic flows.

One particular aspect that seems particularly unjust is that regarding ‘showmen’s' vehicles, (that is to say those involved in the amusement and fairground trade). These vehicles have been granted exemption from the charge. However, should they break down within the Zone, the recovery operator has to pay the charge to provide assistance. How can this be right when in many cases, the vehicle being recovered is far older than the vehicle performing the actual recovery?

Mr Goddard concluded: “The very fact that recovery operators are already exempt from the congestion charge is surely a key indicator that these vehicles are recognised as an essential service.  Therefore there can be no justification for not allowing privately-funded recovery vehicles to benefit from the concessions allowed to other vehicles operated by the Government-funded emergency services".