Possible extension of the Central London Congestion Charging Zone

Report: 7
Date: 5 March 2004
By: Clerk

Summary

This report invites the committee’s comments on a Mayoral proposal to extend the congestion charging zone.

A. Recommendations

That the Committee decides whether it wishes to comment on the proposed western extension of the Central London Congestion Charge Zone.

B. Supporting information

1. The Central London Congestion Charge Zone was introduced on 17 February 2003. The Mayor and Transport for London (TfL) consider it to have been a success so far, with traffic reduction in the zone of up to 15%. Congestion on the Inner Ring Road is marginally less than it was before charging and there has been a decrease in journey times on trips from other parts of Greater London into the charging zone. There has also been a significant improvement in bus reliability and journey times due to reduced congestion.

2. Given the traffic benefits that are emerging from the introduction of the congestion charging scheme, TfL are proposing to bring forward an extension to the charging zone to include further areas in central London affected by all day congestion, such as Knightsbridge and Kensington. The proposed area is reasonably well served by public transport, has fewer traffic management issues and affords a better diversion route than other possible extension areas to the charging zone.

3. The key features of the extension would be:

• Where? It is proposed that the existing zone be extended to include the area to the west bounded by the Harrow Road, West Cross Route, Earls Court Road and the Chelsea Embankment, as shown in the figure below. There would not be a charge for using these boundary routes or the elevated section of the A40 Westway. A plan of the proposals is attached.
  All roads within the zone would be charged, except for the western part of the Inner Ring Road (Edgware Park, Park Lane, Grosvenor Place and Vauxhall Bridge Road) which would remain non-chargeable. This would reduce the impact of displaced traffic movements to other parts of the boundary route an on routes approaching the charging zone.
• When? The charging hours are proposed to be the same as the existing central London scheme – 0700 hours to 1830 hours, Monday to Friday, with no charge on public holidays.
• What? It is proposed that the congestion charge for the extended scheme would be the same as the existing scheme. There would only be one charge for the whole combined area.

4. If these proposals go ahead, they would require a change to the Congestion Charge Scheme Order. Public consultation on this Order could take place in Autumn 2004. Depending on the outcome of that consultation the earliest an extended scheme could be operational would be in 2006.

5. TfL say that the extension will, in combination with improvements to public transport, cycling and walking, help secure one of the Mayor’s key transport priorities – tackling traffic congestion. They also contend that it would make a direct contribution to achieving three of the six draft London Plan objectives – ‘Making London a better city to live in’, ‘Making London a more prosperous city with strong and diverse economic growth’ and ‘Improving London’s transport’.

6. The MPA were consulted on the original congestion charging zone proposals in 2001, as part of the Mayor’s draft Transport Strategy. At that time the Authority was supportive of the proposals, whilst recognising that there might be issues of detail to be addressed. Some of the concerns, such as congestion on the inner ring road requiring a police operational response, appear not to have happened. The congestion charging zone has had cost implications for the MPS and there will need to be an assessment of how any extension to the zone might add to these.

7. Members’ comments are invited. Any representations made by the MPA will be passed to the Mayor. The MPS has been separately consulted by TfL and any response made by them will be reported at the meeting.

C. Equality and diversity implications

None as a direct result of this report, although any proposals to extend the congestion charge zone would no doubt have implications that TfL would need to address.

D. Financial implications

No specific implications.

E. Background papers

• Letter from TfL enclosing draft proposals.

F. Contact details

Report author: Simon Vile, MPA.

For more information contact:

MPA general: 020 7202 0202
Media enquiries: 020 7202 0217/18

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