Lambeth to snub road toll

Ken Livingstone's congestion-charging scheme will suffer a fresh blow tomorrow when Lambeth council votes to withdraw all backing for it.

The council previously supported the £5-a-day toll due next year. But it is furious with the Mayor's transport department, claiming it has not listened to residents' views on how congestion charging will devastate communities in the borough.

It says Transport for London officials refused to attend public meetings called to let residents voice their fears.

Tomorrow councillors on the borough authority - controlled by a Liberal Democrat Conservatives alliance - are expected to vote to withdraw co-operation with Mr Livingstone immediately.

The vote coincides with Westminster council's attack on congestion charging at the High Court, where it is asking for a judicial review and public inquiry into the scheme in a joint action with the Kennington Association.

Tomorrow's motion of noncooperation, tabled by councillor Keith Fitchett, means Lambeth would refuse to distribute TfL literature promoting congestion charging and explaining how it will effect residents.

The council would also refuse to distribute £5 entry permits or help collect payments. It may also refuse planning permission for roadsigns connected with the scheme.

Mr Fitchett said: "The scheme the Mayor has come up with is going to make no big difference to congestion. It will, however, make a huge difference to people living on or near the boundary especially in Kennington, where the community is going to be split by the boundary road and where it will have to contend with a huge rise in traffic."

Andrew Sawdon, Lambeth executive member with responsibility for transport, said: "We are now backing Westminster in their legal challenge."

However, TfL insisted it had been liaising with boroughs, including Lambeth, for the last 18 months. A spokesman said: "We believe it is in the best interests of Lambeth's residents that they have as much information as possible. Only by continuing dialogue can TfL ensure that congestion charging benefits Lambeth."