Congestion Charging
The Mayor of London's plan to spread the Congestion Charge Scheme (CCS) to
just part of Kensington and Chelsea received a major thumbs down from Londoners
in a recent Evening Standard poll. But what evidence is there to support the
Council's calls for more time? And what can you do to make sure your voice is
heard?
The Council has conducted a borough-wide survey to find out what you think
about plans to extend the congestion charge. It has also commissioned industry
experts Buchanans to carry out more research into the economic costs of
congestion charging. Results from both are due out soon and the Council is
confident the research will add more weight to its analysis that:
- any extension of the congestion charge zone is premature
- if the Mayor of London is intent on extension, it must include the whole
borough
Added to the Council's growing knowledge base, research from other key
organisations raises questions about the wisdom of Mr Livingstone's current
proposals.
The Confederation of British Industry, the London Chamber of Commerce and
retail giant John Lewis have all been critical of the plans to plough ahead with
extending the scheme.
London Assembly members meanwhile called for more options in the forthcoming
consultation and to wait until the economic case is proven. That view is
endorsed by Transport for London Commissioner Bob Kiley. London-wide too, a poll
from the Evening Standard in December showed just one in four Londoners in
favour of extending the CCS at the moment.
But as evidence against rushing into an extension of the scheme appears to be
growing, the Mayor of London seems determined to push ahead.
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Mr Livingstone is due to consult the public on extending the CCS in February,
for a period of ten weeks. Kensington and Chelsea Council and many residents of
the borough believe more time is need to assess its full economic impact.
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Since the autumn, local residents have rallied in opposition to the Mayor of
London's plans. As well as a packed public meeting at Chelsea Town Hall in
October, residents lobbied the London Assembly so effectively that the Transport
Committee extended its hearing to allow for more evidence from Kensington and
Chelsea Residents' Associations.
A public meeting is due
to be held at Kensington Town Hall at 7.30pm on
Monday 16 February
And what some of you had to say about the proposals…
"…it is now proven that small and large businesses in the existing CC
area have suffered."
"Further time should be allowed to study these effects before the zone
is extended anywhere, together with costs of such an extension."
"I am strongly in favour of the proposal, but concerned that it does not
intend to cover the whole borough area…"
If you have any further comments about the CCS please email
congestioncharging.comments@rbkc.gov.uk.
Your feedback is invaluable to us.
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