John Lewis will quiz shoppers on c-charge effects

John Lewis Partnership is building up a dossier on the effects of congestion charging in London and will quiz a 10,000-strong sample of customers who frequent its Oxford Street flagship.

The retailer is urging that plans to extend the capital's charging zone, or introduce similar schemes elsewhere, be put on ice until the impact on business is fully assessed.

A postal survey has been sent to 10,000 account holders, asking if they will participate in focus group meetings slated for January.

The partnership has commissioned top academic Professor Michael Bell to compile a report. Findings will be made public in March.