Voters reject C-charge

Ken Livingstone's plans to extend the congestion charge are opposed by Londoners by a margin of two-to-one, an exclusive poll for the Evening Standard shows today.

The YouGov survey found that only 26 per cent supported his extension plan while 48 per cent opposed it.

In another blow to Mr Livingstone, a large majority believe that the Tube has either got worse or not improved. The Mayor's proposals for 15 new skyscrapers for the capital are overwhelmingly opposed.

But there is some good news for the Mayor, with voters believing that bus services have improved in the past two years, and more people thinking that London is a better place to live after four years of a Livingstone mayoralty.

The congestion charge has improved the flow of traffic since it was introduced in February last year but the poll makes clear that some 42 per cent of the public believe it has hurt business in the West End. Only six per cent think that it has helped business, while 24 per cent think it has not appreciably changed.

The Mayor claims that the scheme has reduced traffic delays inside the zone by about 30 per cent with little or no adverse effect on traffic in areas outside the charging area.

Mr Livingstone has just finished a public consultation exercise on extending the zone and plans to go ahead after the mayoral elections if he wins. If he does decide to push on, the earliest the scheme would be brought into operation will be 2006, subject to funding.

Major businesses such as the John Lewis Partnership have lobbied against the plans following concerns that Oxford Street trade has suffered.

The Mayor has acknowledged some of the criticisms in recent days by pledging to end the charging period at 6pm instead of 6.30pm at present. He has also agreed to suspend the scheme between Christmas and the New Year.