Residents say scrap the western congestion charge

by Hammersmith and Fulham Press Office
11/08/2008

Eighty-five per cent of residents, who voted in a h and f news poll want the western extension of the congestion charge removed.

Earlier this month, we asked for your views on the western extension. We outlined the three questions that are expected in the Mayor of London’s formal consultation this September.

We wanted to know whether you want the zone improved, removed, or whether you are simply unmoved.

Of the 362 votes cast so far an overwhelming majority – 85 per cent – want the extension scrapped. Just 12 per cent want it improved and 4 per cent are not interested either way.

Hammersmith & Fulham Council leader Stephen Greenhalgh said: “Residents will decide the future of the western extension and if local opinion is replicated across London this will signal the end for this failed experiment.”

In addition to the on-line poll, the h&f news postbag has been bulging with your letters, views and comments.
David Foster was typical of the majority view, he said: “The congestion charge extension should be scrapped. It has done nothing for congestion and is just another form of taxation.”

The £123million scheme has been described as ‘West London’s invisible Berlin Wall’ after the effect it had in dividing families and cutting businesses off from their customers. It was launched in the face of major public opposition in February 2007.

The West London Residents Association (WLRA), which fought against the western extension, with Hammersmith & Fulham and Kensington & Chelsea councils, has said it will campaign for the scheme to go. WLRA chairman Gordon Taylor said: “We have 14,000 members and the overwhelming majority want the extension scrapped.
“The reality of the extension is that it is losing money, has no environmental benefit and is damaging the local economy. “The 58,000 people within the extension, who now get a 90 per cent discount to travel into central London, are making congestion even worse. The amateurs who dabbled with this failed experiment need to hear the message from residents loud and clear. We did not ask for it. It has not worked. And it needs to be scrapped.”

The formal consultation by the Mayor of London will be open to residents and businesses across London but the
Mayor has said he particularly wants to hear from people living in and around the zone.