29 September 2000
The poll, conducted by Opinion Leader Research (OLR), found that 53% of Londoners supported the mayor's plan, which could raise up to £320m a year, while 39% cent were opposed.
Researchers spoke to 500 people in the capital during August and September. Some 59% said that improving health was more important than the freedom to drive and 58% thought that health promotion should prevail over popular opposition to charging.
Despite this support for the anti-pollution tax, 59% believed most voters would oppose the charge and only 22% thought the majority would back the proposal.
'Coverage of the fuel crisis has given the impression that people are far more concerned about cheap petrol than about the interests of the wider community. Our poll suggests otherwise,' said Anna Coote, the King's Fund director of public health.
'A majority of people favour congestion charges in London, but curiously most supporters of the scheme believe themselves to be in the minority. This may be why support for traffic reduction has been so muted.'
The Association of London Government said it supported congestion charges on a limited scale, though it called on Livingstone to secure significant improvements in public transport first.
Sir Robin Wales, the ALG chairman, added: 'It is important that any scheme is properly thought out and that there is full consultation with boroughs and others who will be involved and affected by it.'
PFsep2000
