Eight in 10 residents say scrap C-charge extension

Nearly 80 per cent of residents living in the western extension of the congestion zone want it scrapped, according to an online poll.

Hammersmith and Fulham council is carrying out the survey after complaints that commuters are clogging up roads on the zone's boundary by parking in residential streets then taking public transport into central London.

Residents are asked whether they want the zone improved or removed, or whether they are simply unmoved. Of the 553 responses so far, an overwhelming majority want it scrapped.

Council leader Stephen Greenhalgh said: "Residents will decide the future of the western extension and if local opinion is replicated across London this will signal the end for this failed experiment."

The council has received numerous letters of complaint. One resident, David Foster, wrote: "The congestion charge extension should be scrapped. It has done nothing for congestion and is just another form of taxation."

The £123 million extension was launched in the face of major public opposition in February last year. It has been dubbed "West London's invisible Berlin Wall" because it cuts businesses off from their customers.

The West London Residents' Association wants the scheme scrapped.

Chairman Gordon Taylor said: "The reality of the extension is that it is losing money, has no environmental benefit, is damaging the local economy and the 58,000 people within the extension, who now get a 90 per cent discount to travel into central London, are making congestion even worse.

"The amateurs who dabbled with this failed experiment need to hear the message from residents loud and clear. We did not ask for it, it has not worked and it needs to be scrapped."

A consultation by the Mayor will be open to residents and businesses across London next month but it will be aimed particularly at people living in and around the zone.