Western extension of London Congestion Charging zone to be scrapped

Transport for London has announced that the Western Extension of the London Congestion Charging zone is to be abolished.

The original central London congestion charging zone was extended westward in 2007 creating a single enlarged zone in which the same charges, discounts and exemptions apply

The scheme has helped reduce emissions of climate change gases and environmental pollutants from vehicles and encouraged people travelling in the area to use public transport, to walk or cycle.

Sixty two per cent of respondents to Transport for London's (TfL) public consultation on the Western Extension backed its removal. The last charging day in the Western Extension will be on Christmas Eve, 24 December 2010.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “The people of west London had the Western Extension unfairly foisted upon them and they have now voiced their antipathy for it loud and clear on several occasions.

"After negotiating a testing course of several legal hurdles, I am delighted to be able to confirm that it will now be removed by Christmas.

“It will be vanquished, annihilated and obliterated, with road markings literally blasted from the earth over the festive period.

“It is essential that the Congestion Charge is made fairer and more effective, but also that it continues to do what it says on the tin and remains a deterrent to all but essential journeys into the heart of the Capital. I have therefore taken the difficult, but nevertheless crucial decision to increase the daily charge to £10.”