Fleets operating in London face a 15% price hike from today when the congestion charge increases from £10 to £11.50 a day.

TfL argues that the increase, the first since 2011, will ensure the charge remains a relative deterrent to all but the most essential journeys into the centre of London, while raising £82.7 million over the course of the next five years, which will be re-invested into London’s transport network – including modernising London’s roads infrastructure.

However, Navman Wireless says the rise plus potential increases in fines and penalties will hit companies hard at a time when businesses are aiming to build on growth prospects.

Scott Hutchins, VP sales UK & Ireland, said: “The 15% increase is another factor contributing to the already high fleet running costs."

Navman claims vehicle tracking technology can protect firms from any unnecessary congestion charges and has launched the London Congestion Zone solution.

It aims to help fleet owners reduce the risk of getting fines or late payment charges and also put a stop to vehicles unnecessarily entering the London congestion zone.

Hutchins continued: “Vehicle tracking technology offers a means for all fleet dependant business to ensure that they are keeping on top of rising operating costs by helping to decrease wasted fuel and unnecessary man hours.

"Our congestion zone solution helps businesses ensure that all payments are made on time, reducing the risk of fines and late payment charges and also puts a stop to vehicles unnecessarily entering the London congestion zone, so businesses only incur charges when they absolutely need to.”

Companies can be charged up to £130 if the fine is not paid within 28 days and, according to Navman, often find it very difficult to identify which of their vehicles are at risk from receiving the fixed penalty charge notice if the initial £14 charge is not paid by midnight the following day.

They also risk further problems, vehicle removal, bailiffs and escalating costs if the fines are not paid promptly.

Navman says its solution provides businesses with alerts as soon as a vehicle enters the London Congestion Zone, historical reports showing if a vehicle has entered the zone within a set time frame and also visibility of the zone for better route optimisation.