Motorists fight charging zone

By admin on September 27, 2007 12:00 AM

CONCERNED Greenwich drivers have set up a committee to monitor rumours of a congestion charge in the area.
The Association of British Drivers (ABD) has taken action as Greenwich Council and Transport for London leaf through the survey they commissioned on a possible levy.
The proposals, revealed in The Wharf in February, would see motorists charged up to #6 for using roads such as the Blackwall Tunnel approach.

Greenwich Council told a London Assembly meeting this summer that it would be reviewing ways to reduce gridlock in the autumn, but a spokesman told The Wharf this week no decision had yet been made.
ABD London co-ordinator Roger Lawson said: "It certainly seems they're waiting for an opportune moment for the announcement. They're going to try to add as much sugar as possible to sweeten the bitter pill they're going to force on drivers."
The drivers' group held a meeting to discuss the charge in Blackheath on Saturday (September 22), which was attended by three of Greenwich's 51 councillors.
Mr Lawson said: "There's a lot of ignorance about the effects of a congestion charge. It will not have the impact on air quality and congestion that many have said.
"Our aim is to make sure the issue is brought to the public's attention. Congestion is obviously a problem, but the charge is not the answer. We're happy to work with the council to come up with a better solution."
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