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The Western Congestion Zone is to be axed on Christmas Eve, Transport for London have confirmed. After a second consultation with 13,000 residents west of Park Lane - two thirds said they wanted the zone scrapped after three years of operation. Transport for London predicts a revenue loss of £55m, and an increase in congestion and air pollutants in the west London area. The daily charge has risen £2 meaning it will cost £10 to drive into the centre of London - the charge has doubled in just seven years. From January 4 the long awaited Auto Pay system goes live giving motorists a £1 discount. There were fears Mayor Boris Johnson would fudge the issue given TfL's dire financial situation and issuing a fresh consultation despite vowed to remove the zone six months into office. Johnson said the charge would be "vanquished, annihilated and obliterated, with road markings literally blasted from the earth over the festive period". Former Mayor Ken Livingstone said the zone worked and residents and businesses would suffer. He said: "It eased congestion and cut emissions, which in turn, improves the health and wellbeing of residents, and makes businesses more attractive to pedestrians. They can cross the road to their local shops without inhaling so many fumes and dodging traffic jams". Johnson has admitted air quality will drop.
Alternative Fuel Discount axed
A Greener Vehicle Discount will replace the current Alternative Fuel Discount, which is aimed at encouraging a switch to more CO2 efficient cars.
From January 4 any vehicle emitting less than 100g/km of CO2 will be exempt from paying the London Congestion Charge.
The new scheme is to take account of some new vehicles that do not currently qualify for the alternative fuel discount but have an improved environmental performance. Photo - Wikipedia
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