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Go-slow protest over road charge | Go-slow protest over road charge |
(about 3 hours later) | |
Hundreds of drivers are taking part in an anti-congestion charge protest in a last-ditch attempt to stop the western extension of the zone. | |
Organised by the West London Residents Association, the go-slow began at Addison Road, in Kensington, in west London. | Organised by the West London Residents Association, the go-slow began at Addison Road, in Kensington, in west London. |
Protesters claim the £8 charge will damage businesses and cost residents hundreds of pounds a year. | Protesters claim the £8 charge will damage businesses and cost residents hundreds of pounds a year. |
But Transport for London (TfL) believes congestion will be cut by 15%. | But Transport for London (TfL) believes congestion will be cut by 15%. |
'Improved safety' | |
The zone will expand west from Monday to include Kensington and Chelsea. | The zone will expand west from Monday to include Kensington and Chelsea. |
TfL also claims the number of vehicles will reduced by 10 to 15% once the charge is introduced. | TfL also claims the number of vehicles will reduced by 10 to 15% once the charge is introduced. |
The protest convoy and march will travel along the Earls Court Road, which will be the boundary of the new zone. | The protest convoy and march will travel along the Earls Court Road, which will be the boundary of the new zone. |
Merrick Cockell, leader of Kensington and Chelsea Council, said: "We've been protesting for a long time. | |
"It (congestion charge expansion) comes into effect on Monday and we just thought we'd remind him (Ken Livingstone) that we are still here. We still object to the extension." | |
London Mayor Ken Livingstone said congestion charging has cut pollution and CO2 levels and improved safety for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as increased the reliability of buses. |