Congestion Charging Survey Must Be Heeded

12.00.00am GMT Fri 3rd Oct 2003

Commenting on the report by the Westminster Council Congestion Charge Survey that found that the congestion charge is damaging businesses within the congestion charging zone, Simon Hughes MP, Liberal Democrat London Mayoral candidate said:-

"I shall pay full heed to the Westminster City Council business survey as well as to all other proper surveys conducted by recognised authorities in London. 

"I have always said that although I have been and am a supporter of a congestion charge scheme for central London, I do not regard myself as wedded to the details of Mr Livingstone's scheme and will take all the evidence into account before announcing the sort of scheme I would implement.  My proposals will be made after February 17th next year when we have had one year's experience and one year's evidence.

"The views of residents and businesses must be fully taken into account.  The test is to have transport policies that mean congestion and pollution goes down and the quality of life and the level of economic prosperity go up.  All my transport commitments will have these objectives."