On 27 November 2008, the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, announced his intention to remove the Western Extension of the Congestion Charging zone, following a non-statutory consultation with the public and stakeholders.
The consultation ran from 1 September to 5 October 2008 and attracted
nearly 28,000 responses. Overall, 69 per cent of individuals and
businesses responding to the public consultation supported the removal
of the Western Extension. Nineteen per cent stated that they wanted the
extension kept as it is, and 12 per cent supported changing the scheme
to improve the way that it operates.
The representative attitudinal survey which was carried out alongside
the consultation also showed a preference for removal of the Western
Extension, although this was not as strong as in the consultation.
Support for the Western Extension among stakeholders was higher with
more in favour of keeping the scheme, although some stated that this
was conditional on changes being made.
Transport for London (TfL) will progress the necessary statutory
consultations that need to take place before any changes could be made
to the scheme. This will involve a revision of the Mayor's Transport
Strategy and a further statutory consultation on a variation to the
Congestion Charging Scheme Order.
It should be noted that the earliest that the Western Extension could be removed is 2010.
Until the Mayor confirms a Variation Order removing the Western
Extension, the £8 daily Congestion Charge continues to apply Monday to
Friday 07:00 to 18:00 in the Congestion Charging zone, including the
Western Extension.
Find out more about how to pay the charge, and view a map of the zone. You can also call 0845 900 1234.
The original Congestion Charging zone in Central London will remain in place.