Congestion charge extension “logical step” says Livingstone
The London Mayor has said that he will be backing proposals to extend the congestion charging scheme to the west of London.
If the extension is approved, the exclusive areas of Knightsbridge, Kensington and Notting Hill will fall within the charging zone which would extend to the borders of Shepard’s Bush in the west, and up to Marylebone station in the north.
Transport for London will now investigate the plans in greater depth, which the Mayor said could be operation in late 2006.
The London Conservatives have spoken out strongly against the plans, accusing the Mayor of ignoring public opinion- a charge Ken Livingstone denied.
Speaking today, Mr Livingstone said: “An extension in this area is a logical next step for congestion charging, but I accept that the draft proposals may have appeared to be too prescriptive. Further investigation [including discussions with the most directly affected London Boroughs] is needed of the potential for, and impacts of, an extended scheme, before deciding whether to make an Extension Order.
“The proposal to extend the zone is clearly controversial. Consultations however tend to draw responses primarily from those opposed to whatever is being consulted upon. That is not to say that those responses have been discounted, they have not, as I have asked for further work to be undertaken to examine the issues raised.”
Mr Livingstone pointed out that there was opposition prior to the introduction of the existing scheme, but “since its launch there has been a marked increase in acceptance with most people supportive of it.
“With the further work to be undertaken on some key aspects of the scheme I am confident that many will find a revised proposal a more acceptable proposition.
“I do not accept that there are other areas around Central London that have more intense all-day traffic congestion which have been overlooked; that the consultation process was flawed; or that a long delay whilst the impacts of the original scheme are further examined is necessary. With over 100,000 responses received, I am satisfied that the level of public awareness of the proposed Strategy Revision and the consultation was high.”
In addition to the extension of the zone, the Mayor is considering bringing the end of the charging forward to 6.00pm from the 6.30pm currently in operation, and promised to introduce easier payment methods. Residents discounts could also be extended to those living just outside the area.
The London Conservatives branded the decision “a betrayal of the residents of West London” arguing that two thirds of residents are opposed to the scheme.
Spokesperson Angie Bray, said: “The Mayor’s consultation has been a sham all along. This is a slap in the face to all of those residents who took the trouble to register their opposition to this scheme.
“Businesses are even more opposed to expansion with nearly 85 per cent of those based within the zone against extending. This is because they have seen the serious trouble businesses in the current zone are already experiencing.”
