(posted 7956 days ago)South London Press
Protesters rally against £5 congestion charge
Jul 8 2002Hundreds of demonstrators have blocked traffic to protest at congestion charging in London.
The protesters are upset that the £5 charging plans - to be introduced next year - could seriously hit the quality of life of residents on the borders of the scheme.
The protest has taken place at Kennington Cross with 400 people taking part.
"We are not against congestion charging in itself but we don't think (London Mayor) Ken Livingstone has really thought this through properly," said Mark Rodgers, 40, one of the protest organisers.
"The way the scheme has been planned will throw a lot of extra traffic on to certain areas such as Kennington.
"Mothers taking young children to school will be obliged to pay £5 while others in the area will have to contend with many more cars as people try to avoid the congestion-charging areas."