Joy as ‘West London’s invisible Berlin Wall’ comes down
by Hammersmith and Fulham Press Office
27/11/2008
News that the western extension of the congestion charge has been scrapped has been greeted with joy by Hammersmith and Fulham Council.
H&F has always believed that the western extension, described by Leader of the Council, Councillor Stephen Greenhalgh, as ‘London’s invisible Berlin wall’ has had no impact on reducing congestion in West London and has caused serious damage to local businesses.
The council has been at the forefront of lobbying against the charge and today’s announcement by Boris Johnson vindicates the council’s view.
Cllr Greenhalgh said: “By consigning this failed experiment to the dustbin of history the Mayor of London has torn down west London's invisible Berlin Wall.
“The vast majority of local residents have consistently said they wanted this scheme to be scrapped and now that it is gone thousands of residents will benefit. This is a brave decision by the Mayor who has listened to Londoners in the face of tough resistance from TfL."
H&F Council warned that west London could be gridlocked for a generation if Mayor Johnson had made the wrong decision.
Research by the council’s transportation team proved that the extension led to H&F having the most congested roads in London, with motorists clogging up the borough’s roads in a bid to avoid the charge.
Statistics also proved commuters were parking their cars near tube stations in H&F then finishing their journey into town on the underground.
The charge also seen people cut off from relatives and vital services, like hospitals and schools, and has had a detrimental impact on local traders such as florists, estate agents and dry cleaners. They have complained that they could not afford to pay the £8 daily levy.
And in an online poll run by the council earlier this year 79 per cent of residents voted to remove the charge.
Cllr Greenhalgh added: ”This council was against the extension even before it was imposed so we are naturally delighted with the Mayor’s decision. This is a wonderful early Christmas present for residents of Hammersmith & Fulham.”
