C Charge delay protest

Wednesday September 23, 2009

Hammersmith & Fulham Council is urging Boris Johnson to re-think his apparent u-turn on scrapping the western extension of the congestion charge.

Mayor Johnson announced his intention to ditch the unpopular extension last November after 67 per cent of residents and 86 per cent of businesses said they wanted it removed.

At the time the Mayor said he would take the necessary legal steps - which could include two more consultations - to scrap the extension by spring 2010.

However, in an apparent u-turn it is understood that the scrapping of the unpopular extension may not now happen for several years.

Councillor Nicholas Botterill, H&F Council’s Deputy Leader, says: “During these tough economic times it is essential that The Mayor of London pushes on and consigns this tax on commerce to the dustbin of history as soon as possible.

“Residents and traders need relief from the credit crunch now - not some time in the next few years. The Western Extension is a millstone around the neck of local businesses and any delay in scrapping it will contribute to more local traders going out of business.”

Shops and businesses across west London have said the extension had crippled them in recent years. Residents have complained about being forced to pay £8 every time they want to access vital services - like schools and hospitals.

Gordon Taylor, Chairman of the West London Residents' Association, adds: “Transport for London are dragging their feet on this as they see the revenue stream that is streaming in - about £50 million - coming straight out of West Londoners’ pockets. And during the recession too!

“TfL is huge leviathan of an organisation with plenty of fat to cut. It simply is not fair that West Londoners are subsidising TfL and allowing it to remain so big.”

Read more on the history of objections to C-Charge in H&F.