Mayor Boris Johnson was under mounting pressure today to explain how he will tackle traffic congestion.
He has pledged to scrap the western extension zone to the congestion charge next year after a public consultation overwhelmingly called for it to go.
But experts warned today that its removal will lead to soaring traffic on key west London routes.
Critics say traffic speeds in the “old” zone have now fallen to pre-charging levels and warn that a financial “black hole” of up to £70million could spark a further round of bus fare rises.
Green campaigners and health experts also claim that scrapping the zone will lead to increased pollution and could put cyclists at risk from increased traffic.
The row coincides with the sixth anniversary of the launch of the original zone this week and with the second anniversary of the western extension – which stretches from Park Lane to Earl’s Court.
Today conservation group the Knightsbridge Association called on Environment Secretary Hilary Benn to ensure London’s air quality is not worsened by scrapping the extension.
Transport for London admits withdrawing the zone could see congestion rise by up to 25 per cent.
Association spokesman Simon Birkett said: “London’s air quality is already breaking legal limits. Shutting down the western extension zone could make it worse, meaning big fines from Europe for the UK. We need to know how the Mayor will tackle this.
“If as a result of scrapping the zone vehicles are trapped in slow-moving traffic, emissions will be even worse.”
But small businesses and residents are urging the Mayor not to backtrack on his decision, and say they are losing trade for every day the charging zone remains in place.
Six out of 10 London companies believe the congestion charge is harming their prospects and even want the original zone to be reconsidered, according to a survey from the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Green campaigners accuse business leaders of putting cash before the environment. London Assembly Green Party member Darren Johnson said: “The congestion charge has been an incredibly successful method of traffic reduction. Scrapping the extension will almost certainly lead to a sharp rise in traffic, more congestion, more air pollution.
“This is bad news not only for pedestrians and cyclists, but also for anyone travelling in London and everyone who breathes London’s air.” The party also said bus fares may have to rise to cope with a drop in income.
Neil Churchill, chief executive of Asthma UK, said: “Scrapping the extension will be a disaster for the health of 430,000 people in London whose asthma is triggered by traffic pollution.”
The Knightsbridge Association is advising the Mayor to beat the increased pollution risk by introducing a new inner-city low emission zone. It is also calling for the central congestion charge to be switched to a “tag and beacon” scheme that would bill drivers according to the time of day and length of time spent in the zone.
TfL claims congestion will be kept under control by rephased traffic lights and the fact that motorcycles are now allowed into bus lanes.
It is working with Thames Water to reduce the impact of replacing miles of Victorian mains and said it would launch a scheme allowing roadworks to be “properly co-ordinated”. A TfL spokesman said the plan to put 6,000 bikes on the streets for hire from 2010 would also help.
A spokesman for the Mayor said: “The Mayor is working with TfL on a range of measures to reduce emissions. Moreover, our focus is firmly on …encouraging Londoners to swap car use for public transport, cycling, and walking.”
Thisislondon.co.uk 20/02/09