ISLINGTON LODGES OBJECTION TO CONGESTION ZONE EXPANSION

12.07.37pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 8th Aug 2005

Islington's Lib Dem Council has voiced it's strong objection to the proposed Congestion Zone Extension in it's official response to stage 2 of Transport for London's Congestion Zone Western Extension.

The Council is deeply concerned that the extension to the zone would actually increase traffic in parts of the borough, that the new discount zone for residents would be unfair, and that it would create more pressure on the already overcrowded public transport through the area.

Cllr Bridget Fox, Executive Member for Sustainability, says: "We are continuing our objection to these plans, which we believe could have a huge impact on residents. Any proposal that would lead to deterioration in traffic conditions within Central London is unacceptable to the Council.

"If they do go ahead with the extension, we want commitments from TfL to fund improvements to public transport in the area and to tackle the rat running on residential streets it may cause.

"We believe that alternative schemes such as improved bus services, the East London Line Extension, and an extension of the Cross River Tram would be far better for Islington and Inner London, and will continue to lobby TfL to drop the extension and focus on these measures instead."