Kennington Congestion Charge Discount a Step Closer
September 2005

Val Shawcross

London Assembly member Val Shawcross has expressed delight to Ken Livingstone announcment that he is seriously considering exempting a large area of Kennington from paying the full congestion charge.

Val has campaigned tirelessly with local activists, headed by the Kennington Association, who have found their community split in two by the charging boundary. ‘It really seems like our hard work might pay off’ said Val. ‘I’m very happy’.

After Val presented a detailed submission on the issue to the Mayor explaining how residents in the area just to the south of Kennington Lane were disadvantaged, Mayor Ken expressed his sympathy for their position and has asked TfL lawyers to advise if an exemption can be made for them. If the move goes ahead they can be treated as if they are zone residents and given a 90% discount for their trips into the zone.

Val continued 'If TfL lawyers agree, then Ken will be able to spread the residents discount to some residents who live outside the zone. I hope this will help local shops to the north of Kennington Lane as well as allowing Kennington residents easier and cheaper access to doctors, vets, relatives and friends living to the north of Kennington Lane.

‘Kennington is a varied area, with some very wealthy streets alongside large council estates. Many people have found paying the charge difficult , limiting their ability to access key local services like schools and healthcare, particularly those residents who have mobility problems and rely on their car.

‘Although I am a little disappointed that the most northern area of Kennington has not been included in the plan, I am delighted that life could be made a little easier for some of my constituents ’

Share you views on this and other local issues in the Lambeth Forum and be kept informed about local issues by emailing subscribe@lambethlabour.com.

To let us know your view on this issue, get help from your local councillor, or discover how you can help Labour in Lambeth, please complete the form below.