Yesterday's Standard was so chock full of interest I just can't stop blogging about it. I couldn't find this leader piece online so, just for you, I've copied the best bit out:
This question has to be looked at from a London-wide perspective. The Western extension was inevitably unpopular with those outside it when introduced, when it looked like a political assault by the Livingstone regime on mostly affluent west London.
However, to remove it now and allow 30,00o cars a day back into an area heavily used by cyclists would be a retrograde step. It would force many cyclists back onto public transport, increase car commuting and therefore congestion, as well as making air quality worse. Particularly at a time of pressure on budgets, the mayor will not want to do without the revenue the zone raises when the costs of installing the cameras and systems have already been incurred.
The solution for the western zone is to modify the charge so that it still deters car commuters but ends in the middle of the day to allow access to shops and businesses.
So there's one vote for Option 3. The consultation outcome is due to be published any day and who knows what might have leaked out as the time came to pass its findings to City Hall. Can't see the Standard risking backing a loser at this stage, can you?
