Greenpeace volunteers confronted Chelsea residents opposing the congestion charge with the message 'Save the climate - Congestion charging works'.
The message was unfurled in West London, just off Kensington High Street, on a seven metre long banner as a convoy of cars from one of London's richest areas started their protest to call for a halt to the planned extension of the congestion charging zone.Greenpeace volunteers handed out leaflets containing a congestion charge quiz to the fleet and public.
Since the introduction of the congestion charge in February 2003:
- Greenhouse gas emissions in the zone have been reduced by almost 20%
- Pollutants that adversely affect Londoners' air quality and health have fallen by 12%
- Congestion in the charging zone has fallen by 30%
- Over 300,000 people have died as a result of climate change
Mark Strutt, Greenpeace climate campaigner, said: "Congestion charging in London is working. Dangerous global warming emissions in the zone have been cut by almost 20% in the last two years.
"Not only should the charging zone be extended in London, it should also be adopted nationally. Congestion charging makes London a better place to live and work.
"There's no time for selfish arguments from car drivers while 150,000 people are dying from climate change every year."
Transport for London is currently planning to increase the charge from £ to £ and to extend the charging zone further west.
Greenpeace supports both measures and is also calling for a £20 charge for gas-guzzling cars like 4X4s, to help combat climate change.
For more information, contact the Greenpeace press office on 020 7865 8255 or 07717 704 577.
