The London Mayor has today launched his public consultation on the future of the western extension of the congestion charge, having pledged to scrap the extension. He is also proposing to change the discounts given to greener vehicles, to reward the least polluting rather than just those using alternative fuels. The charge in the central zone would also be increased from £8 to £10.
Green Party member of the Greater London Assembly, Jenny Jones, is concerned about the consequences of removing the extension, particularly for air pollution. According to the Mayor’s figures, removing the extension will mean an increase in congestion of 11 to 18% in the area.
Jenny Jones said:
"The congestion charge, including the western extension zone, has been successful in reducing traffic, reducing emissions and encouraging people to switch to public transport and cycling. It also improves the quality of life for residents living within the zone.
"It is difficult to see why Boris is meddling with a policy that has been proven to reduce traffic at a time when London is struggling to meet European limits on air pollution and faces major fines. This is a big backwards step on air pollution."
"The commitment to rewarding less polluting vehicles is welcome, and was agreed under the previous Mayor. The other part of the drive to improve the vehicles using central London was the £25 charge on gas guzzlers, which the current Mayor has scrapped. It has taken Boris two and a half years to catch up with half of a good idea."
"Increasing the charge to £10 raises relatively little money and does not compensate for the loss of £55-£70m in funding from the western extension."