I am a resident in the Snaresbrook/Wanstead area and firmly believe that  Wanstead and Snaresbrook belong in zone 3, not 4.  There was a campaign in 2009 to correct this anomaly, however, it was not successful at that time.  The picture has changed significantly since then with the Olympic Games, the East End regeneration (the mayor's plans for an "Olympicopolis") and the re-zoning of Stratford into zone 2/3.  Therefore, I believe, this is the best opportunity to address the issue of Snaresbrook and Wanstead stations.

The arguments to support my case are as follows:

1. Distance from central London - On the central line eastbound Leytonstone forms the zone 3/4 boundary, however, several stations are further out from the centre of London (as measured from Charing Cross) and still belong inside zone 3 such as: Hanger Lane, Ealing Broadway, South Ealing, Northfields, Upton Park, Royal Albert, Beckton Park, Cyprus, Gallions Reach and Beckton. (see attached picture)

2. Measurement starting point - For historical reasons, the centre of London has been Charing Cross and tfl distance measurements for zoning are based on this reference point. However, looking at where the centre of London is in terms of underground traffic, it is clearly the city of London, where employment in London is concentrated. Using the square mile as the starting point, Wanstead and Snaresbrook should by no means be in zone 4, given that it is 6 stops from the city on the central line.

3. Population density and activity - Since the East End redevelopment for the Olympics, there is a lot more interest in this side of London and also people moving into the area. Indeed, Stratford is going to be re-zoned into zone 2 as it should be given that it is only 3 stops from Liverpool street station zone 1 and is now a centre of activity with the Olympic Park and Westfield. This further supports the re-designation of Wanstead and Snaresbrook as zone 3.

There has been a number of stations re-classified into a nearer zone in the last few years and I believe that Wanstead and Snaresbrook are long overdue and with the re-zoning of Stratford due next year, there would be no better time to address this issue.

http://www.itv.com/news/london/update/2014-07-21/tfl-to-re-zone-stratford-stations/