The unpopular western extension of London’s congestion charging zone could be axed under new plans by Mayor Boris Johnson. The £123million scheme was introduced despite mass public opposition last year but now Johnson plans to launch a public consultation.
The Mayor also ruled out extending the charge into the capital’s suburbs and admitted the controversial extension could be dropped just 18 months after it was introduced. Johnson has signalled that he doesn’t believe congestion tolls are the solution and wants to find other ways to encourage people to walk or cycle.
The extended zone covers Kensington and Chelsea and the consultation will be open to residents, businesses and stakeholders across the capital. Johnson accused his predecessor Ken Livingstone of not listening to people’s concerns when he introduced the extension in February last year.
‘I am not going to be having any more congestion charges,’ he said. ‘What I am determined to make happen is a modal shift towards bicycling and walking, not just in inner London but also in outer London.’
The western extension, which cost £96m to implement, could be removed by the end of next year, reducing the charging zone to a central area stretching from Buckingham Palace to Tower Bridge.