Congestion charge cut 'could harm London air quality'

Boris Johnson's decision to scrap the western extension zone (WEZ) of the London congestion charge will have a negative impact on air quality in the capital, according to green lobbyists.

The Campaign for Clean Air has threatened to sue the mayor over the removal of the WEZ, which will cease to exist at 18:00 GMT on December 24th.

Speaking to the BBC, the group's Simon Birkett said: "We are very concerned the mayor's mitigation measures won't be adequate and the level of dangerous air pollution will rise in this area."

Introduced by former mayor Ken Livingstone in 2007, the WEZ charged drivers £8 a day to enter.

The decision to scrap the zone, which is expected to cost Transport for London about £55 million a year, was also criticised by Labour politicians.

Val Shawcross, the party's transport spokeswoman on the London Assembly, told the Guardian that the move "makes no sense".

However, Mr Johnson has claimed his decision reflects the wishes of west Londoners.

Posted by Lauren Steadman