PRESSURE is growing for Wanstead and Woodford’s Tube stations to be moved into zone three on the London Underground map after commuters were hit with a huge rise in new year fares.

Prices on the Tube have risen by ten per cent in 2009 with environmental groups concerned the increase will encourage residents to spurn public transport in favour of their cars.

At the same time a Guardian-backed campaign to re-zone Snaresbrook, Wanstead and Redbridge has moved up a gear with more than 100 people joining a campaign on social networking website, Facebook, in support of the change.

Justin McArdle, of Overton Drive, Wanstead, uses the Tube daily to travel to his technology business in Shoreditch.

He said: “I think it’s unfair as I was on the Tube the other day and saw East Ham and Galleon’s Reach are in zone three when they are much further away.

“People in Wanstead are getting a raw deal and I’m sure that most people would welcome a deduction in prices and use the Tube more.”

After the recent rises a zone 1-3 monthly travelcard costs £116 while a zone 1-4 card costs £141.40. This means a Wanstead-based city worker could save £304.80 a year under the reclassification.

And commuters are incensed that Hampstead Heath and Willesden Junction stations have been moved from zone three to two but there is no review on the cards for Redbridge.

Redbridge Green Party spokesman Ashley Gunstock believes the rise has come at the worst possible time as the freezing weather makes people more reluctant to abandon their vehicles and use public transport.

He said: “It’s a ludicrous move as people are trying to find a cheaper means of transport than their car but are going to think what’s the point?

“The Tories talk a good environmental policy on the one hand and then just take it away with the other.”

A City Hall spokesman told Mr Gunstock that any destination greater than eight miles from Oxford Circus is put into zone four.

However, many stations including Woolwich Dockyard, Beckton Park and Manor Park are all further than eight miles away but enjoy zone three status.

Plus many critics question whether Oxford Circus is a valid marker for the centre of London considering the regeneration of the East End and the status of The City as the capital’s financial heart.

A spokesman for TfL said no review of tube zones was on the cards - while London Mayor Boris Johnson defended his decision to raise fares.

Mr Johnson added: "Some of us will pay a little more but I have ensured fares will remain affordable, especially for people who rely on public transport most, including the elderly, disabled and those on lower incomes.

“This is a fares package that will sustain the investment needed to deliver the extra capacity and reliability that is vital for London."

Show your support for the reclassification by joining the ‘Facebook group Campaign to Make Redbridge, Snaresbrook and Wanstead Zone 3 Tube Stops.’