The congestion charge has been an incredibly successful method of traffic reduction.Scrapping the Western Extension will almost certainly lead to a sharp rise in traffic,more congestion,more air pollution and more climate change emissions.
Abolition of the extension could lead to fare rises,as the Mayor struggles to cope with an estimated £70m annual drop in income.This would be a straightforward swap from motorists paying to bus and tube passengers paying.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 announcement comes only two days after the Mayor pledged to make London a 'greener' and more environmentally-friendly city.Boris's environmental commitment now appears to be little more than a charade.