New Congestion Charge consultation begins

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on Mayors plan to extend westward - Wandsworth Council in opposition

The new boundaries would, if implemented, extend to the Earls Court one way system in the west and Chelsea Embankment and Grosvenor Road in the south.

The Mayor has said he will send leaflets explaining the scheme to all households living in those parts of Wandsworth which are closest to the Thames.

The new zone would operate from 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday.

Wandsworth Council has opposed the extension because of fears over its effect on local businesses - particularly those in Battersea closest to the zone's southern boundary.

It has called for more robust information on traffic impact on approach roads to the borough's river crossings - particularly Wandsworth and Putney Bridges which both provide routes just outside the proposed zone.

The council also wants the Mayor to specify the additional public transport services he would make available in the borough. This must include extra buses and additional services on the West London Line which runs parallel to the Earls Court one way system.

Cabinet member for regeneration and transport Guy Senior said:

"Let's hope the Mayor takes more notice of this consultation than when he put up the daily charge from £5 to £8 - even though 75 per cent of people were against it.

"Our big worry remains that we are not getting enough detailed information on how this enlarged area would affect residents and businesses. Once again it seems the Mayor is expecting Londoners to give him a blank cheque.

"Whether you are for or against the scheme - or simply feel there is not enough information - it is important to let the Mayor know your views."

The Mayor has already published a draft order proposing the western extension to the congestion charge zone. If, once the consultation period has expired, he wants to proceed, he simply has to confirm the order.

Consultation runs from May 9 to July 15. If the Mayor goes ahead the new zone could be in place early in 2007.

Households in Wandsworth who should receive the Mayor's consultation leaflet fall in an area bounded by the Thames in the north and Lavender Hill, St John's Hill, East Hill, Wandsworth High Street, West Hill, Putney Heath and Dover House Road in the south.

May 19, 2005