Each week, Ben Hopkinson looks back at a serious, crazy, and happy news story from the past week.
Serious News
The TfL has announced that the Congestion Charge should rise to £18, £3 more than the current charge.
The change is set to take place from 2nd January 2026, in the first rise since June 2020. Drivers will face a penalty of £180 if the charge is not paid within 48 hours – the penalty charge notice will half to £90 if paid within 14 days.
There is also a proposed annual increase in line with inflation (like public transport).
Those driving electric cars will receive a 25% discount if they are registered for auto pay, while HGVs and vans are set to get 50% off.
However, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) have challenged the notion as “small firms are making extremely tough business decisions to remain competitive”.
A public consultation is open and will run until Monday 4th August.
Crazy News
The annual cheese-rolling race took place at Cooper’s Hill near Gloucester where more than 200 competitors made their way down a hill by running, sliding, or even tumbling chasing an 8lb wheel of Double Gloucester cheese.
The cheese is famous for its strong and savoury flavour, as the contestants faced a more difficult 200 yard track due to the warm and dry weather.
Even though the official competition was cancelled in 2010 amid health and safety concerns, it has been held unofficially with emergency services keeping a watchful eye.
The three heats of men’s race were won by German Tom Kopke, Gloucestershire based Luke Preece (dressed as Superman) and Byron Smith from New Zealand; while the women’s race was won by Ava Sender Logan for the Refugee Community Kitchen.
The event is hundreds of years old, and is said to have marked the return of spring.
Happy News
Aquariums and zoos across the island are set to have their animal welfare standards updated for the first time in more than 10 years, as the government have launched new rules to improve animals in captivity.
The Standards of Modern Zoo Practice has been revised to help upkeep the UK’s status as a global leader in ethical zoo management.
Key points being changed include: larger areas for elephants, an end to long-term tethering of birds of prey, and the banning of handling sensitive aquatic species like stingrays and octopuses.
Baroness Hayman, Animal Welfare Minister, says: “We are a nation of animal lovers, and our best zoos and aquariums are truly world leaders in setting the standard for how wild animals should be kept”.
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