Boris Johnson will slash London’s congestion charge zone by half its size after announcing plans to abolish the controversial western extension, which was introduced by his predecessor Ken Livingstone last year.
It follows a public consultation that revealed 67 per cent of 28,000 local residents were in favour of scrapping the extension.
Johnson had pledged in his election manifesto to hold a consultation on the issue and act on the result.
“During the election I promised Londoners a genuine consultation on the future of the extension," said Johnson. “Londoners have spoken loud and clear, and the majority of people have said that they would like the scheme scrapped.”
Now the extension - which covers Kensington and Chelsea, Fulham and parts of Westminster - will be removed in early 2010. Relief could be offered at an earlier stage, with the possibility of enforcement holidays in the western extension area.
Johnson also plans to improve congestion in the area by re-phasing traffic lights to add more time on green for vehicles.
"One thing everybody should be assured of is my determination to make it easier for Londoners to get around our great city,” he said.
Critics of the move say it will deny Transport for London £70 million of revenue, but the true figure is expected to be closer to £20 million. The Mayor said the lost revenue could be found from TfL's £8.2 billion budget.
