On 27 November 2008, the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, announced his intention to remove the Western Extension of the Congestion Charging zone, following a non-statutory consultation with the public and stakeholders.

The consultation ran from 1 September to 5 October 2008 and attracted nearly 28,000 responses. Overall, 69 per cent of individuals and businesses responding to the public consultation supported the removal of the Western Extension. Nineteen per cent stated that they wanted the extension kept as it is, and 12 per cent supported changing the scheme to improve the way that it operates.

The representative attitudinal survey which was carried out alongside the consultation also showed a preference for removal of the Western Extension, although this was not as strong as in the consultation. Support for the Western Extension among stakeholders was higher with more in favour of keeping the scheme, although some stated that this was conditional on changes being made.

Transport for London (TfL) will progress the necessary statutory consultations that need to take place before any changes could be made to the scheme. This will involve a revision of the Mayor's Transport Strategy and a further statutory consultation on a variation to the Congestion Charging Scheme Order.

It should be noted that the earliest that the Western Extension could be removed is 2010.

Until the Mayor confirms a Variation Order removing the Western Extension, the £8 daily Congestion Charge continues to apply Monday to Friday 07:00 to 18:00 in the Congestion Charging zone, including the Western Extension.

Find out more about how to pay the charge, and view a map of the zone. You can also call 0845 900 1234.

The original Congestion Charging zone in Central London will remain in place.