Scrap western extension of C-charge, say firms

Major businesses have called overwhelmingly for the western extension of the congestion zone to be scrapped.

Seventy seven per cent say the zone set up by Ken Livingstone in February last year should go, with 76 per cent saying the zone had had a "negative impact" on their trade.

A total of 100 firms were polled by the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, to coincide with the closing at the weekend of Mayor Boris Johnson's consultation into the future of the zone. Only 13 firms polled believed the western extension should be retained while 10 firms called for it to be reformed, possibly with different hours of operation. Colin Stanbridge, chief executive of the LCCI, said: "These findings send a clear message to the Mayor that the zone should be scrapped."