Revised c-charge times could boost London restaurant trade

London restaurants who have been hit by the congestion charge could benefit from new plans to shorten the time in which the levy operates by half an hour to 6pm.

The proposals from Transport For London (TFL) form part of a public consultation on its plans to extend the c-charge zone westward.

The reduced charging hours will take effect when the extended area comes into operation, which could be by February 2007.

The western extension, which is expected to rake in £30-£35m a year, has been slightly reduced and will not penetrate as far west into Earl's Court as originally proposed, nor as far north into Kensal Green.

Meanwhile, the existing £5-a-day fee is set to rise to £8 in July.

The 10-week public consultation ends on 15 July. You can view the consultation document and questionnaire on www.tfl.gov.uk/ccextension.

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