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Congestion Charging

from Cathy (cathyvpreece@aol.com)

'We'll be forced to close'

Oct 18 2002
By Vicky Wilks

South London Press

CONGESTION charging will force some businesses to close and ruin the environment, say 3,000 south Londoners who have signed a petition against the Mayor's policy.

The petition was organised by the Kennington, Oval and Vauxhall Forum (KOV) - a residents' group that argues there has been no research into how congestion charging will affect local businesses or the environment.

KOV forum board member Mark Rogers told the South London Press how recent roadworks had already forced a building business on South Lambeth Road to lay off eight staff.

He said: "We think that is the kind of thing that will happen in the future."

As for environmental damage such as increased air pollution, Mr Rogers said: "Transport for London say they have done an environmental study but they haven't published any findings."

He added that the forum had asked TfL to monitor air quality on main roads in the area but it refused.

He said: "Unless you know what the base level rates are how can you monitor change?"

KOV forum chairwoman Rita Fitzgerald said: "South Londoners see no advantage in this scheme - just more jams, more pollution and little shops closing. We're already suffering from Ken's congestion charging 'stick'. The Mayor can help our community to survive and we need these 'carrots' now. We hope he'll be listening."

A TfL spokesman said an economic impact assessment has been done using a random sample of businesses across the whole of London.

He said: "We can't guarantee businesses along Kennington Lane will be included but street management chief Derek Turner has told the group he would look at that."

He said TfL and the GLA have also conducted London-wide environment monitoring but could not do an air-quality assessment in a small area.

The campaigners handed their 3,024 signatures to Southwark and Lambeth GLA member, Val Shawcross, who will give it to the Mayor.

She said: "There are very real worries over the impact the congestion charge will have on this community, and Ken would do well to listen carefully and act fast to avoid local people's predictions becoming reality.

She added: "I also urge Lambeth council to work co-operatively with Transport for London to try and reduce the impact of traffic outside the zone.

(posted 7833 days ago)

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