Bid to block C-charge

The House of Lords will tomorrow attempt to block plans to double the size of the congestion charge zone.

Tory peers will propose an amendment requiring Mayor Ken Livingstone to hold a referendum of affected residents.

He would have to win more than 50 per cent of residents in each of the boroughs affected - Westminster and Kensington and Chelsea.

As the Mayor's polls suggest almost two thirds oppose the scheme, this could sink plans to widen the zone to Shepherd's Bush and the Chelsea Embankment by 2006.

The motion from Viscount Astor would amend the Greater London Authority Act and relies on recent legislation promoting local referendums on controversial issues.

Tory peers, who make up 30 per cent of the Lords, need Lib-Dem support to secure the amendment. If successful, the Bill would go to the Commons for a final decision.