The extended zone will cover most of Westminster and parts of Kensington and Chelsea, much to the dismay of many local businesses. The changes will come into effect from February 2007.
London Retail Consortium chairman Alastair McKay said: 'We are very disappointed that the Mayor's announcement today wilfully ignores the voice of those who stand to be negatively affected by the extension of the zone, particularly large and small retailers.'
Livingstone said: 'Extending the existing zone will bring considerable benefits to this area of London. Traffic in the zone will be cut by 15 to 20 per cent.'
Opinion polls show that the majority of Londoners believe the congestion charge has been effective in reducing congestion. However, public opinion on the western extension is divided, with 43 per cent of Londoners opposing the new scheme.
It is predicted that net revenues from the extension will be between£25 million and£40 million a year.
No comments yet