London c-charge extension axed

Boris Johnson has announced plans to scrap congestion charging in London's western extension zone.

As promised in his mayoral campaign, Johnson launched a consultation paper on the western extension in September.

The document showed that of almost 28,000 responses, 86% of businesses supported the removal of the extension. Transport for London (TfL) also surveyed 1,000 London-based businesses and found that half wanted to see the zone scrapped.

Residents in the western zone are set to lose their 90% congestion charge discount for the central zone.

Johnson said: "Londoners have spoken loud and clear, and the majority of people have said that that they would like the scheme scrapped.

However he stressed that he was determined to make it easier for Londoners to get around the city: "Transport for London is working on a series of measures aimed at easing congestion and smoothing traffic flow, which include rephasing traffic signals and cracking down hard on the chaos caused by badly-planned road works."

Nick Winch, London policy manager for the Federation of Small Businesses, welcomed the decision.

"It is clear that the congestion charge has done damage to businesses in the western extension, with some going out of business and others struggling," he told More Than Business News.

However, he said that it was "a matter of concern that it is going to take the best part of 15 months to see the charge removed".

"If the Mayor can suspend the congestion charge, it will provide an enormous boost for businesses."