Press Release

Seven out of ten Londoners want 4x4s discouraged- massive backing revealed for pro-public transport policies
18-8-2006   420

A new poll published in the September edition of the Londoner has found that eight out of ten people support the Mayor’s policy of free travel for 16-18 year olds in full time education.

The research conducted by Ispos-MORI on behalf of the Greater London Authority also reveals that seven out of ten Londoners believe that people should be discouraged from using large Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) in the capital.

It found that almost two-thirds – 64 per cent - of people think that cars that do less damage to the environment should pay a lower congestion charge than regular vehicles. The same number said that cars that do more damage to the environment should pay more.

In total 68 per cent of Londoners backed the idea that people should be discouraged from driving SUVs in the capital. 81 per cent of Londoners backed the introduction of free travel on London’s buses for all under-18s in full time education, a policy that will come into effect this September.

Free bus and tram travel for under-18s in full-time education was a key election commitment given by the Mayor in 2004. It builds on the recent introduction of free travel for all under-16s on London’s buses and trams.

Ken Livingstone, the Mayor of London said:

‘With eight out of ten Londoners backing free bus travel for under-18s in full-time education, and seven out of ten wanting to see the use of SUVs discouraged in London, it is quite clear that Londoners are leading the way in promoting public transport and greener ways to travel.

‘Perhaps the most interesting figure here is that two thirds of Londoners back the idea that cars that do more damage to the environment should pay a higher congestion charge, and the same number want cars that do less damage should pay a lower charge. This is in tune with the request I have made to transport officials to bring forward plans in September to amend the congestion charging scheme so that it discourages heavily polluting cars.’

Other key findings in the poll were a massive nine out of ten (93 per cent) of Londoners think that water companies should devote more of their resources on preventing leaks even if this may mean a decrease in profits and dividends for shareholders; and significant support for London’s diversity, with 66 per cent – two thirds – saying that multiculturalism makes London a better place to live. This is a two per cent rise on the figure from September 2005.

Ken Livingstone added:

‘It is particularly welcome at this time that we see steady and high levels of support amongst Londoners for the diversity of the city, which is one of London’s defining characteristics and a key factor in the success of the capital as a global centre for finance, business and culture.’

Ends

Notes to Editors

1. Results are based on 1,006 interviews conducted by telephone with a representative sample of residents in the Greater London
2. Interviews were conducted between 26th July and 31st July 2006
3. The Londoner is a free newspaper delivered to 2.8 million households across London
4. The poll is available on the Greater London Authority website on www.london.gov.uk/mayor/consultation/polls.jsp

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