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Scrap western extension of C-charge, say firms
David Williams, Motoring Editor6 Oct 2008
Major businesses have called overwhelmingly for the western extension of the congestion zone to be scrapped.
Seventy seven per cent say the zone set up by Ken Livingstone in February last year should go, with 76 per cent saying the zone had had a "negative impact" on their trade.
A total of 100 firms were polled by the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, to coincide with the closing at the weekend of Mayor Boris Johnson's consultation into the future of the zone. Only 13 firms polled believed the western extension should be retained while 10 firms called for it to be reformed, possibly with different hours of operation. Colin Stanbridge, chief executive of the LCCI, said: "These findings send a clear message to the Mayor that the zone should be scrapped."
Reader views (6)
So how is making thousands of people sit in traffic jams going to help business? They go on and on about scrapping the charge but have nothing to put in its place to prevent gridlock.
i suggest we start pulling down all teose old buildings and widening the streets like we did in the 50's and 60's that way there would be room for all there cars but still the street would by jammed by double parkers.
We could start with Kings Road which could be just like Euston Road just think how many 4x4's could then fit in.
- Melvyn Windebank, Canvey Island, Essex, 07/10/2008 15:26
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Now all we have to do is scrap everything else that Red Ken put in place to tax the masses to fund his ill thought through schemes and we should be back to normal. Remember common sense and democracy anyone? I know it has been a long time hasn't it.
- Jimbob, Kensington, 07/10/2008 11:34
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Of course if you cant wobble home on a push bike with a bag of shopping, you could always have it delivered...
- Les, Essex, UK, 07/10/2008 06:46
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Scrap the charge.It was only put there for the Looney Lefties by the Looney Lefties!
- Mark A, london england, 06/10/2008 22:06
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Trouble is Adam, London - customers are not arriving in the first place.
Strangely it all began with the western extension of the congestion charge - a fact, not a coincidence!
- Mike, London, 06/10/2008 16:00
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The idea that ‘vitality of commercial enterprises = access by car’ is really rather old school. Those motorists who arrive at a store are not better customers than those who arrive by bike, walk or with public transport, just because they can carry more goods home in their vehicles.
On the contrary. The contribution made by customers who arrive by public transport, bicycle and on foot is greatly underestimated. Not to mention the negative impact for our towns and cities and for the urban environment.
- Adam, London, 06/10/2008 13:38
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