ALTERNATIVES TO CONGESTION CHARGING FOR CENTRAL LONDON

This paper outlines the reasons for Westminster City Council's objections to the London Mayor's proposals for congestion charging in central London. It goes on to set out an alternative strategy, which consists of a combination of measures designed to tackle the three objectives of reducing central area congestion, improving air quality and raising money for further investment in transport facilities. Regardless of whether congestion charging is introduced there is a consensus that public transport needs to be improved. In the short term this can only be achieved through improved bus services, but in the longer term significant improvements are needed to rail services, including improving the existing networks and introducing new facilities such as Cross Rail, CrossRail2 (formerly the Chelsea - Hackney line), the London Tram and other similar facilities. Further key alternative measures that the City Council wishes to see are improved compliance with parking regulations, more action against moving traffic offences, more control over the activities of the utilities, a range of further demand management measures and the introduction of further measures to improve air quality. (A) For the covering abstract see ITRD E114895.