Residents within the Congestion Charge’s Western Extension Zone are being reminded that their entitlement to discounted access to the central charging zone will end on 24 December, the last day the WEZ will operate.
Drivers living within the scheme’s catchment area are entitled to register for a 90 percent discount on the daily charge which is set to increase to £10 from January 2011.
Residents in the former WEZ will see the cost of travelling into the remaining congestion charging area increase from 80p with their current discount to £10 per journey.
Transport for London say they will contact all drivers in the Western Extension area who are registered for a discount “after 22 November” to remind them that their discount entitlement will end when the extension ceases to operate.
TfL will also issue any refunds due to those drivers who have paid for discounted access beyond the extension’s closure.
Drivers previously entitled to a resident’s discount are also being reminded that failure to pay the full daily charge when entering the central Congestion Charge zone after January 4th may result in the issuing of a Penalty Charge Notice.
Abolition of the Western Extension, which was introduced in February 2007, was a manifesto commitment by Mayor of London Boris Johnson.
However the policy has been criticised by environmental groups concerned the move will hinder London’s ability to meet clean air standards.
London Assembly Members and transport campaigners have also questioned the decision to “give away’ at least £55m in revenues when public transport users are facing their third fare increase in as many years.
TfL have held two consultations over plans to abolish the zone, with a majority of respondents to both expressing a preference for the extension to be removed.
In October the Mayor said the extension “was unpopular when it was introduced, has remained unpopular, does not fully scheme what it set out to do, and is, and is perceived to be, a burden to businesses.”