Labour candidate Ken Livingstone has promised to use unspent money in the transport budgets to cut fares by 7%, a policy opponents say he cannot afford.
The promised cut is supported by 82% of those polled, with 63% saying they “strongly support” it.
Brian Paddick, the Liberal Democrat candidate, is one of those questioning the affordability of Livingstone’s cuts. Mr Paddick has instead proposed cheaper fares for passenger travelling before the rush hour, a policy supported by 84% of those surveyed.
Kr Livingstone’s campaign claim the poll shows “shows Londoners want a Mayor who will cut the fares and make them better off.”
However the poll shows the former Mayor trailing successor Boris Johnson on a number of key areas, including transport policy where Johnson enjoys a 5% lead (36% to 31%).
The Mayor also leads on crime, with 26% of respondents saying he has the best policies. Mr Livingstone’s policies have the support of 22%.
Mr Paddick, a former Met Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner, scores just 8% on crime, despite the topic dominating his campaign so far.
Johnson also leads on the question of who has the best ideas on environment, attracting the support of 23%. Mr Livingstone is three points behind in 20% while Mr Paddick is fourth placed behind Green party candidate Jenny Jones whose polices are supported by 7%.
Johnson and Livingstone tie on 27% for the candidate with the best policies for creating jobs and growing London’s economy.
However Livingstone leads Johnson 28% to 18% on housing policies and his promise to campaign for a living rent is supported by 76%.
As in past polls, Livingston leads Johnson (49% to 26%) when voters are asked who “most understands the concerns of ordinary Londoners?”
The survey also shows that 53% of Londoners back a proposal from Ms Jones to that no City Hall employee should earn less than a tenth of the highest paid person.
Commenting on the poll, Jones said: “We’re already trusted on the environment, and we believe our policies on other key areas, such as reducing the pay gap and making transport more affordable without damaging investment, give Londoners a genuine, positive choice.”
A spokesperson for Brian Paddick said: “This race is wide open. This poll shows that when Londoners are asked if they prefer Boris Johnson or Ken Livingstone’s policies, whether it’s on the economy, crime or the environment, more people say they don’t know than back either of them. Londoners are tired of Boris Johnson and Ken Livingstone and the lack of enthusiasm is telling.”
All campaigns have been asked to comment on the poll.
