London Assembly Conservatives highlight impact of zone on its periphery
London Assembly Conservatives have highlighted the impact of the Congestion Charge Zone on people living on its periphery and the increase in pollution on the Zone’s Inner Ring Road.
Research undertaken by the London Assembly Conservative Group has revealed that the Congestion Charge has shifted traffic to the Zone’s periphery and resulted in increased congestion and pollution.
A survey carried out by Assembly Member Bob Blackman, whose Brent and Harrow constituency borders the Congestion Zone’s western extension has revealed that 60.3% of respondents thought traffic in their road had increased since the extension was introduced in February 2007.
The survey also found that of those questioned, 61.4% said they need to drive into the Zone to visit a doctor, dentist or hospital and 88.8% of these people said they would have great difficulty travelling to an alternative outside the zone.
Commenting London Assembly for Brent and Harrow, Bob Blackman said, “These results confirm our fears and objections about the Western Extension. Not only is there evidence that those within the Western Extension are now far more likely to drive into central London than previously, but this survey also shows that the number of people who drive on the edge of the Zone is causing increased congestion there.”
In addition, Transport for London’s most recent Congestion Charge report has revealed how pollution has increased on the Zone’s Inner Ring Road. Nitrogen oxides (NOx) have increased by 7.4%, particulate matter by 9.7% and carbon dioxide by 3.8%.
Describing the figures as revealing the true impact of the Congestion Charge Zone, Conservative London Assembly Congestion Charge spokesman, Angie Bray AM said, “The difference between the reality and the spin of the Congestion Charge is becoming clearer all the time. Congestion levels in the Zone are now higher than they were when the scheme was introduced. In addition to that atmospheric pollution has worsened.
“The Mayor needs to take a consistent and robust approach to dealing with the problem of traffic congestion, rather than just taking the plaudits for introducing the Congestion Charge then letting it disappear in a puff of smoke.”
September 24, 2007