Residents against congestion charge

11:20am Monday 12th November 2007

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IMPROVING public transport rather than congestion charging is the solution to traffic problems in a town centre, according to residents.

Surveys commissioned by Transport for London (TfL) reveal overwhelming opposition to the introduction of such a congestion charge scheme in Greenwich.

The documents, seen by News Shopper, were obtained by the Association of British Drivers (ABD) under the Freedom of Information Act.

One study, titled Greenwich Feasibility Study, was published last month and says: "Opposition to a congestion charge scheme in Greenwich was much higher than for the central London scheme with 77 per cent opposed and only 16 per cent in favour."

A survey by research company Ipsos MORI, published in January, said people were positive about public transport in the area.

However, it also states: "A majority of respondents think the most effective means of reducing congestion would be to improve public transport in and around Greenwich town centre."

It adds: "Overall, it appears there would be considerable opposition to the introduction of congestion charging to Greenwich town centre."

Greenwich Council, which asked TfL to help it look at solutions to the problem of its clogged-up roads, has denied there are any proposals to implement a congestion charge in the borough.

However, the surveys show a road pricing scheme, similar to the one in central London, is one of several options being explored.

Roger Lawson, the London region co-ordinator for the ABD, which has been campaigning against the idea, said: "They haven't realised the strength of opposition to these plans. They are trying to backpedal."

A TfL spokesman said no decisions have yet been made.

He said: "If any proposals are developed they will be subject to full public consultation and would take into account views of the community."

The Greenwich Feasibilty Study was compiled by Accent, which issued questionnaires and carried out 235 interviews.

It looked at a range of options including different rates, zone sizes, times and days of the week.

The survey found three-quarters of people who live in Greenwich thought traffic congestion was a problem.

A council spokesman said: "The papers we have received from TfL are currently being assessed by council officers.

"The council will make a further statement once it has had a chance to analyse the information."