New London major, Boris Johnson is expected to review the current congestion charge scheme and reconsider plans to introduce harsher charges in October this year.

Former Major Ken Livingstone’s plan to introduce a £25 per day charge for vehicles emitting 225g/km CO2 or over is expected to be one of the first casualties of the regime change. Porsche, who were launching a legal challenge against the plans, will no doubt be delighted if the Boris does indeed scrap the £25 charge.

Other expected amendments may include moving the boundary of the western zone which may mean the boroughs of Chelsea, Westminster and Kensington are no longer included in the charge zone. There also rumours that low emitting vehicles under 120g/km will not be exempt from the charge as originally planned by the former major. The only exemptions likely to be zero emitting vehicles, public service, recovery vehicles and vehicles running on some alternative fuels but plans yet are unclear. Johnson is also expected to grant residents up to 90% discount on the charge.
The predicted changes are already making environmental groups nervous. According to figures from Transport for London, the congestion charge scheme has cut traffic within the zone by 21% since it was introduced and reduced congestion by 8%. Meanwhile, there has been a 45 % rise in bus use and a 43% increase in cycling within the zone. Could Boris undo this progress?

Faye Sunderland

http://www.foe.co.uk/resource/press_releases/london_mayor_livingstone_g_29042008.html