Residents favour congestion charges for the whole borough24 July 2003A majority of residents in Kensington and Chelsea want the congestion charging zone to be extended, providing it covers the entire Borough. That is the finding of new research out today (24 July) from the London Assembly Transport Committee. According to the results, 53 per cent favour a congestion charging zone covering the entire Borough. However, in Kensington and Chelsea, Mayor Ken Livingstone's current proposals mean a proportion of residents will be left outside the zone, and would face a charge each time they wanted to visit their GP, school or local supermarket. There was no consultation with the local authorities about the people selected, or about the questions posed. Interviewees were asked:
Council Leader Merrick Cockell said, "People haven't been asked if they are in favour of what the Mayor is actually proposing. "As far as the Royal Borough is concerned, it looks like a fix designed by the London Assembly to justify extending the congestion charge zone. "Ken's proposals would divide the Borough. The evidence is clear though, people want one policy that applies right across our Borough. "Questions also remain unanswered about who exactly would qualify for the discount and how much residents would be charged. "The Council's view is clear - any extension of the congestion charge zone is premature. Too many key questions remain unanswered including the impact on business, especially retail, recruitment and retention. However if Ken is intent on going ahead with extending the zone, the whole Borough must be included." Notes for Editors: The poll results are based on interviews from over 1200 residents from across the capital including 200 residents from the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and the City of Westminster. The local authorities were not consulted on poll methodology For more information contact Press and Public Relations.
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