Mayor of London Ken Livingstone has welcomed today’s “successful start” to the westwards expansion of the Congestion Charge zone.
In a statement issued this afternoon Mr Livingstone said:
“Today’s morning rush hour has seen a successful start to the congestion charge western extension. Traffic is flowing freely inside the extended zone, on its boundaries and the through route. The zone was, until now, one of the most congested areas in the UK and first indications are that traffic levels have been reduced as expected by the scheme.
“London is again taking the lead in tackling the problem of traffic congestion and emissions which blight virtually every major city in the world.
“Congestion charging in London has already cut the number of cars in the central area by 70,000 a day, with all of the associated benefits in terms of air quality, climate change and road safety, with dramatic increases in number of bus passengers and people choosing to cycle or walk.
“This has contributed to London seeing the world’s first significant shift from the private car to public transport and, as a result, cities all over the world are looking to London’s example.”
Residents within the newly enlarged zone this afternoon protested against the expansion. West London Residents’ Association chairman, Gordon Taylor said his supporters would “continue the fight until the charge disappears from London.”
