Press Watch: Congestion charge to return to its roots

The daily charge for the central zone would rise from £8 to £10 at the same time and the move may also mean fare rises on the Tube and buses.

TfL said it expected that congestion would increase as a result by 15 per cent in the area, which includes Kensington, Chelsea and Notting Hill.

However, the move was supported by business, which had argued against the 2007 extension. Nick Winch, of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “The FSB was highly opposed to the zone from the start, believing that it would drive firms out of business due to lost trade.” Graeme Leach, chief economist at the Institute of Directors, said there was always a “stronger case” for the original zone.Val Shawcross, Labour’s transport spokeswoman on the London Assembly, described the plan as a “big mistake ... Cyclists, bus users and local residents will all suffer from more congested roads and dirtier air.”

If residents agree to the abolition, which is in the final stages of public consultation, Christmas Eve would be the last day of charging, Mr Johnson said, adding: “West London never wanted the extension and it is right that residents can tell us whether this Christmas should see the end of it.”