BUSINESS KNOWS THE C-CHARGE PRICE HIKE IS ABOUT RAISING CASH NOT CUTTING TRAFFIC

3.21.21pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 4th Apr 2005

Commenting on the open letter signed by 50 big name businesses to Ken Livingstone that the Congestion Charge price increase from £5 to £8 in July will hurt trade in the capital, Liberal Democrat London Assembly Transport Spokesperson, Lynne Featherstone, said:-

"Many of the very same businesses who, like the Liberal Democrats, were in favour of the existing Congestion Charge scheme have now rightly slammed the massive increase proposed by the Mayor.

"There will be many traders, both large and small, who will feel the pinch of the increase and there may be some who simply say enough is enough and move out of the city.

"Mr Livingstone's proposals may increase car usage as people decide to ignore London's central shops and instead drive to out of town shopping malls in places like Brent Cross, Lakeside or Blue Water.

"This increase flies in the face of common sense. The 60% price hike has nothing to do with reducing congestion but everything to do with raising a bob-or-two."

ENDS