Southwark councillors call for c-charge buffer zones

The motion in full

The full text of the motion passed by Council Assembly on 7 December 2005 is as follows:

Council notes the official Council response to the Greater London (Central Zone) Congestion Charging Order 2001, which was specifically amended to include the suggestion of a buffer zone to minimize the adverse impact on those living and working near the border.

Council further notes the Mayor of London's recent indications that he is considering extending the residents' discount zone (ie creating a buffer zone) in areas of Kennington.

Council understands that this reflects the inconvenience to residents living close to the border and the additional cost incurred conducting everyday family, social, commercial, and community activity.

Council is disappointed that, whilst this concession is a positive move for some London residents in neighbouring Lambeth, Southwark residents are continuing to lose out.

Council urges TfL to take this opportunity to reconsider establishing a buffer zone for residents in Southwark who have already been affected for almost three years.

Whilst Council appreciates that any arbitrary demarcation line will be unpopular there is a real opportunity to ease the burden which falls unfairly on residents and businesses in Southwark and who are based just outside the congestion-charging zone.

Council therefore resolves that the Executive Member for Environment and Transport and the relevant officers in our transport division work with London Assembly members to present a strong case to the Mayor of London and TfL regarding the prospect of allowing communities close to the boundary to benefit from a graduated residents' discount. As a package of public transport incentives for the area the proposals should also include the extension of the central Zone 1 to include both Kennington and Bermondsey tube stations.