Greenwich and Bexley

I first reported on possible road charges in the borough last November.

To anticipate the possible introduction of a Greenwich C charge, some road users have begun a campaign to make sure their voices can be heard.

Click here to see the latest report on the congestion charge hopes and fears.

Last year Greenwich Council asked TFL Transport for London to carry out a feasibility study and consult with local people and businesses. The results of that study are due out later this autumn. 

The area of concern covers the Blackwell Tunnel, Greenwich Town Centre and some parts of Blackheath and Westcombe Park.

The Association of British Drivers (ABD ) held a public meeting in Blackheath with around 60 people in attendance.
They had leafleted 100,000 households and already have an online petition with 405 signatures to date.

At the meeting, the London coordinator of the ABD which campaigns across the country against road pricing told residents they should contact their MPs and local representatives to express their opposition.

Liberal Democrat and Conservative councilors spoke at the meeting but no one from Labour controlled Greenwich Council attended.

The concerns of the residents varied from the cost of extra costs for businesses such as plumbers and painters which would force local people to pay more to deliver goods and carry out services. Some also said public transport needed to improve. Others were more resigned about living in such a congested city in London and had stopped taking their cars into Greenwich.

One the same day as the meeting, Greenwich Council and TFL organised a car free day in Greenwich Town Centre.

It is an annual event and this year the area around the Cutty Sark DLR station and the Old Royal Naval College was closed to traffic. A colourful street party took over with live music, dancing and entertainment.

Alternatives modes of transport such as cycling and walking were showcased as were other aspects of a greener lifestyle  such as recycling and organic food.

A possible C charge was given a warmer reception here. Although some still doubted its value to the area.

One resident it could stop tourists coming to Greenwich. Another woman with a new born baby said she didn't enjoy visiting the town centre with children because of the traffic. A young man said he would welcome a congestion charge as the traffic is dreadful especially for cyclists in the area.

Greenwich Council declined to be interviewed by BBC London but in a statement said:
“Of all the issues raised with us in Greenwich, none is mentioned as repeatedly as that of the volume of traffic. It is therefore important for us to address this problem and to that end, with the support of Transport for London, we have been considering options for reducing traffic through the A206 corridor.

“This includes traffic modelling of potential options including charging, which can then inform a thorough debate and discussion which needs to be had with local residents and businesses.”

TFL- Transport for London added:

"Greenwich council approached Transport for London in 2005 to ask for advice on reducing traffic congestion in the borough. Transport for London has been assisting Greenwich Council on this issue, including asking local residents what their travel patterns are, finding out what traffic conditions exist, and gauging reaction to different methods of reducing congestion. 

"There is no commitment to any scheme at this stage. The decision on the best way to reduce traffic congestion in Greenwich will be taken by Greenwich council, not Transport for London, and will take into account all of the views of the local community."