Wandsworth could be left short of firefighters if key workers are not exempt from the capital's plans for congestion charges, according to council leader Councillor Edward Lister.

Wandsworth Council said key workers travelling to central London could be hit with £1,000 extra in travel costs.

Care workers, emergency service personnel and public sector workers could all face charges as they carry out their duties.

The warning was delivered after Greater London Authority members decided not to ask the Secretary of State for Transport to use his powers to exempt key workers.

But Transport for London, the body implementing the controversial traffic-reduction project, insisted London Mayor Ken Livingstone does have plans for exemptions. But details of exactly who will benefit are under wraps until December.

In a rare bridging of the borough's political divide, local unions joined the Conservative-run council in urging Mayor Livingstone to let essential workers travel toll-free.

Coun Lister said: "London already has severe recruitment problems for teachers, doctors, nurses and police. The congestion tax could mean thousands of public sector workers choosing not to work in London's public services.

"The Fire Brigades Union has also said staff shortages could hit stations if fire fighters are unable to afford the daily charge.

"Many of the key workers who keep the capital's essential services running work unsocial hours and rely on their cars. These will be the worst hit by the Mayor's tax."

Geoff Martin, from Battersea and Wandsworth TUC, said: "We have no objection to congestion charges, but if it means emergency service workers are forced to pay up to £25 a week it makes a nonsense of the whole policy. Ken Livingstone needs to get this sorted as a matter of urgency."

November 16, 2001 12:01