TfL slammed over congestion ads

Transport for London is wasting public money by continually publicising the planned extension of the congestion charge zone, according to a Tory transport spokeswoman.

The authority is wasting money on a needless outdoor campaign as those affected have already been covered with blanket direct mail shots, says London Assembly member Angie Bray.

Bray argues that the publicity campaign is a waste of money and means that less space is available to sell to private advertisers so less revenue is going into the Greater London Authority’s coffers.

She says: “TfL’s advertising budget would be put to infinitely better use elsewhere. If Ken Livingstone thinks he can brainwash or bulldoze the public on this issue by pouring vast amounts of public money into marketing it, he is sorely mistaken.”

She adds that TfL’s advertising space, which includes bus shelters, would be “better used” for gathering revenue for the public through private advertising.

A TfL spokesman says: “TfL has a commitment to inform the public of any changes it makes to the operation of the congestion charge. Our duty is to provide a public information service that explains the facts of the scheme and any future developments.”

London Mayor Ken Livingstone announced last year that London’s daily congestion charge zone would be extended west into Kensington and Chelsea in February 2007. It is hoped the move will increase TfL’s revenues by &£40m a year.