Capita gets capital traffic scheme

The IT contracts for London's controversial congestion charging scheme have been awarded with the meatiest part of the deal going to Capita.

It will be paid £230m over the scheme's first five years to manage all customer contact points, back office admin and camera and telecoms infrastructure services.

The contract win for the IT services group was expected, though Capita's handling of the government-backed Individual Learning Account scheme has led to criticism over the choice of the company by Mayor Livingstone's transport experts.

ILAs were abruptly ended last November after allegations of compromised computer-held records.

Congestion charge-related telecoms contracts worth £15m and £12m respectively have been awarded to Colt and BT RedCARE Vision, while CCTV cameras and related equipment will be provided by Initial Electronic Security Systems.

Transport for London estimates the charging scheme will reduce traffic in central London by 10 to 15 per cent, slashing time spent in jams by 20 to 30 per cent, and raise £130m to £150m in revenue.