Congestion Charging

Daily Express

Monday, February 17, 2003

Protests over congestion charging

Opponents of the London congestion charge braved freezing temperatures to protest against the introduction of the £5 toll.

In south London boundary area, residents said the charge would mean more noise and pollution as drivers sought to steer clear of the zone.

In Kennington Lane, which marks part of the boundary of the zone, about 20 residents joined councillors with banners reading: "Scrap The Ken-gestion Charge."

Driver Stuart Cutts said his fruit and vegetable delivery business was going to close because of the charge.

He said: "We are based in Hertfordshire and would have to drive into the zone every day. My boss is jacking in the business because we will lose too much money now.

"I don't think the congestion charge will stop people driving into central London so I don't think it will make much difference in terms of traffic but it will affect people like us."

Clapham Conservative councillor Bernard Gentry, who was among the protesters, said: "This is just the start of the battle for the people of south London.

"They are going to suffer disproportionate noise and pollution every morning.

"The rush hour started earlier today and it will do from now on. The local residents will have to contend with more noise and disturbance earlier along these streets.

"Caroline King, of the Vauxhall Conservative Association, who was carrying a banner saying "Ken Out", said: "We're all very worried that this is going to hugely increase the traffic on our streets and create an unfair burden on people driving to work."

© Copyright Press Association Ltd 2003, All Rights Reserved.

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