C-charge protest to cause chaos

Motorists were today trying to disrupt traffic in central London in protest at plans to extend the congestion charge zone. About 100 cars and vans were expected to drive in a slow convoy from Holland Park to the West End and back. Millionaire interior designer Kelly Hoppen was among residents and business people taking part.

Sir Malcolm Rifkind, Tory candidate for Kensington and Chelsea, was waving the convoy on its way from Addison Road to Hyde Park Corner, the Strand, Trafalgar Square, Marylebone Road and Marble Arch.

Sir Malcolm said: "It will go straight down the middle of Earl's Court Road, dividing the community. Mums dropping children at school will have to pay."

Michele Weininger, standing as a candidate in Brent East under the banner of Justice For Motorists, says the Mayor's old constituency will be badly hit by the C-charge as it is just outside the proposed extension.