Mayoral statement on proposed western extension of the congestion charge

Press Release

Mayoral statement on proposed western extension of the congestion charge
11-8-2004 295

Mayor of London Ken Livingstone said: “TfL have now reported to me having concluded an extensive consultation, on my behalf, on a draft revision to my Transport Strategy that would allow for a western extension of the central London congestion charging scheme.

I have listened carefully to the comments made by over 100,000 respondents to the consultation and have taken these into account in publishing my Transport Strategy Revision.

The principal proposal contained in the Strategy Revision is that TfL will investigate the potential for an extended congestion charging scheme covering the area broadly bounded by Harrow Road, Scrubs Lane, West Cross Route, Earls Court One Way System and Chelsea Embankment, and that subject to the availability of funding, TfL will make an Order for an extended scheme.

My conclusions on TfL’s report and recommendations are:

An extension in this area is a logical next step for congestion charging, but I accept that the draft proposals may have appeared to be too prescriptive. Further investigation (including discussions with the most directly affected London Boroughs) is needed of the potential for, and impacts of, an extended scheme, before deciding whether to make an Extension Order.
If an extension is to go forward, taking on board the comments made during the consultation, I think:
1. Broadly, the scheme should be a ‘single-zone’, with discounts and exemptions applying to the whole extended zone and with 'free' through routes on the A40 and the Inner Ring Road.
2. However, more investigation needs to be done in relation to the proposed boundary, specifically the northern and western boundaries.
3. Residents’ discounts could be extended to certain areas outside the proposed zone but only where specific circumstances justify it.
4. To assist business there is a case for bringing the end of charging forward to 6.00pm if the extension goes ahead.
5. To address people’s concerns about the operation of congestion charging (in the existing scheme as well as proposed for the extension) I have asked TfL to bring forward a range of further customer improvements to reduce the hassle including making it even easier to pay.
I do not accept that there are other areas around Central London that have more intense all-day traffic congestion which have been overlooked; that the consultation process was flawed; or that a long delay whilst the impacts of the original scheme are further examined is necessary. With over 100,000 responses received, I am satisfied that the level of public awareness of the proposed Strategy Revision and the consultation was high.
The proposal to extend the zone is clearly controversial. Consultations however tend to draw responses primarily from those opposed to whatever is being consulted upon. That is not to say that those responses have been discounted, they have not, as I have asked for further work to be undertaken to examine the issues raised.
Prior to the introduction of the existing scheme people were opposed to it, but since its launch there has been a marked increase in acceptance with most people supportive of it.
The earliest TfL could make an Order would be early 2005 with confirmation in Summer 2005, and the earliest a scheme could be operational would be late 2006. The actual implementation date, however, would depend upon a number of issues, including the outcome of the consultation, satisfactory procurement of new and additional services, and availability of funding.

With the further work to be undertaken on some key aspects of the scheme I am confident that many will find a revised proposal a more acceptable proposition.

Notes to Editors

In the light of these decisions, I have asked TfL to take the proposal forward as follows:

Autumn 2004: 'Informal engagement' will take place with the most directly affected central and Inner London Boroughs. This will provide an opportunity for TfL to receive informal feedback on the relative merits of alternative boundary and resident discount zone arrangements, as well as other key parameters, such as 'free' through routes. The outcome of these meetings and any written submissions received will inform the preparation of a draft Extension Order for preliminary consultation.
Autumn 2004: TfL would conduct a period of 'preliminary consultation' on a draft Extension Order with key stakeholders. The preliminary consultation will last for some five weeks. Some 60 or so key stakeholders will be consulted, including the 33 London Boroughs, the ALG, London Assembly Members, key business representative groups, and LTUC.
Early 2005: Subject to the outcome of the above, TfL would make an Order for a western extension and conduct a period of formal stakeholder and public consultation. The consultation would last for ten weeks.
TfL’s report will be available from 12pm today at www.tfl.gov.uk/ccextension.

For further information contact the Mayor’s Press Office on 020 7983 4714/4753 or Transport for London’s press office on 020 7941 4141.
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