Sutton's transport lead has slammed the government's plan to extend the Congestion Charge Zone to the North and South Circular. 

The Government is calling on Transport for London to expand the charge to the North and South Circular, along with a number of other controversial fare hikes and cuts to concessions, in exchange for a £1 billion rescue package.

More than 100,000 people have signed a petition set up to oppose the proposals, which would see drivers facing £15 charges for journeys within the zone. 

Councillor Manuel Abellan says expanding the charge would be "punishing the people of Sutton" with higher costs. 

Your Local Guardian:

Responding to the news, Councillor Manuel Abellan, Deputy Leader of Sutton Council said:

"Local people have done the right thing by avoiding public transport when advised to do so by the Government.

"Now they are threatening to punish the people of Sutton by hitting us with higher costs. Local people simply can't afford this at this worrying time.

"Since 2016 Sutton has received the lowest level of transport investment per resident in London at £73 per resident compared to £1,911 per resident in Richmond.

"Now is not the time to step back. We need to invest in key infrastructure to kick start the economic recovery. 

“Projects like the Sutton tram, reinstating twin railway tracking to Belmont Station, a permanent ‘Go Sutton’ bus service and an overground type of rail service should be backed not sacked.

"This government has got it completely wrong."

To sign the petition visit here