Emissions Influenced Charging (EIC) in London

Further to my previous post about the Low Emission Zone, it would appear that the Sunday Times had got hold of slightly the wrong end of the stick with regard to Ken Livingstone's proposals. It would appear from the TFL website that the increased charges are only being proposed for using the existing Congestion Charging Zone not the whole LEZ. However, I predict that if Ken gets this increase through then it is only a matter of time before he tries to get some sort of charge for "gas guzzling" "most polluting cars" driving within the whole LEZ.

It should be noted that just eight days after the congestion charge started, on 25 February 2003, Ken Livingstone stated "I can't conceive of any circumstances in the foreseeable future where we would want to change the charge, although perhaps ten years down the line it may be necessary". Of course, by November 2004, Livingstone directly contradicted his earlier stance and said in an interview with BBC London, "I have always said that during this term it will go up to at least £6." Of course, Ken "consistency" Livingstone changed his story again by the end of that month saying in an announcement that in fact the rise would be to £8 for private vehicles; the rise to £8 was announced formally on 1 April 2005. That must be enough rises; don't be daft Ken "I hate cars, if I ever get any power again I'd ban the lot" Livingstone in a live TV debate on 10 May 2006 supported a rise in the charge to £10 by 2008. That would be a doubling of the charge (a 100% increase) in five and a half years.



Oddly enough Ken when the Congestion Charging scheme was originally proposed the £5 charge was predicted not to have to increase. Interestingly when the charge was increased to £8, "The Mayor stated that whilst confirming the proposed increase to £8, it is his intention that there will be no further increases in the congestion charge during this current mayoral term, which runs until May 2008." With the caveat that "The Mayor's Transport Strategy stated that the (congestion) charge (including discounts and exemptions) would be kept under review in order to identify whether any adjustments were needed to maintain the objective of reducing traffic congestion or to respond to changes in circumstances."