Retail chiefs have hit out at Ken Livingstone, following his admission that a public consultation into extending the congestion charge was ‘a complete charade.’
The London Retail Consortium said it is dismayed at Livingstone’s declaration, which concerned the proposed Western Extension Zone - an area heavily used by hotels, restaurants and retailers.
The LRC says it was under no illusions that the Mayor would let the public’s reaction affect the decision.
“This comes as little surprise to us. The Mayor and Transport for London had made it quite clear from the beginning that the decision to take forward a Western Extension was already made.” Said LRC chairman, Alistair McKay.
“We are very disappointed that the Mayor is wilfully ignoring the voice of those who stand to be negatively affected, particularly large and small retailers. Congestion represents a significant cost to retailers who rely on the road network for access to customers, staff, and the delivery of the goods they sell.
“At a time when consumer confidence is weak, compounded by a sustained decrease in visitor numbers following the terrorist atrocities in the Capital, we implore the Mayor to rethink or at the very least delay the introduction of this scheme, until a full dispassionate public inquiry takes place, with an investigation of alternative schemes that could be potentially more targeted and effective,” McKay added.
