A charge-free period in the middle of the day may be introduced in the western extension of London’s congestion charging zone, under proposals out to consultation this week.

The five-week Transport for London consultation is inviting opinions on whether the western extension should be kept as it is, removed, or amended to address specific concerns.

Proposed changes to the extension include introducing a charge-free period in the middle of the day, or increasing residents’ discounts to 100% – which would apply to all areas of the charging zone.

The western extension was introduced to cover most of the boroughs of Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster, in February 2007.

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: ‘I remain to be persuaded on exactly what we should do with the extension, so this is a superb opportunity for anyone with an opinion to get involved and help influence my final decision. ‘As well as the obvious options of keeping it or removing it, I would be very keen to know what Londoners think of suggestions such as having a charge-free period during the middle of the day.’

Other possible changes to the whole congestion charging zone include making the charge easier to pay by introducing accounts.