Protesters fail to wreck congestion charge launch

12.00.00am GMT Tue 18th Feb 2003

Congestion charge protesters were criticised for attempting to create traffic problems and trying to block call centres' telephone lines in order to discredit the scheme.

Lynne Featherstone, Lib Dem transport spokesperson, said: "The first morning of the charge has seen significant reductions in traffic on London's streets, according to our researchers who have been out on the street monitoring traffic levels. This is despite attempts to create traffic chaos by those opposed to the charge."

"We have also heard reports from the Mayor that protesters have tried to flood the call centres in an attempt to disrail the charge. This is unfair to law-abiding people wishing to pay the charge."

"Ms Featherstone continued: "People have contacted us to tell of their problems getting through to the centres to pay the charge. We heard of a woman who needs to travel into London on a daily basis to undergo chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment. Her and her husband have been trying to register with the scheme for days unsuccessfully. These problems must be resolved swiftly by the Mayor. Only then can the launch of the charge be assessed to have been a success."