Ken's war against the private motor car continues

I read that the next link in Ken's long avowed aim to rid London of motor cars has been announced. This time it is to raise the charge to enter central London from £8 to £25. So much for the "congestion zone", it appears that Ken is trying to justify this increase on the grounds on the grounds of reducing emissions.

Ken is proposing that low emitting cars will pay nothing, but has left himself some wriggle room - an aide is reported to have said "We're convinced there's no risk of increased congestion in the first few years but we'll put in very careful monitoring so we would be able to bring in a band B charge of £4 very quickly if we need to,"


I note that The Mayor is also scrapping the 90 per cent discount for zone residents owning "gas-guzzlers" - meaning they will have to pay the full amount wherever they live.

I hate the phrase "gas-guzzlers" and resent the way that the press and especially the BBC are following Ken's agenda by using the term. This little remarked upon wrinkle will raise income for Ken and punish the mainly Conservative voters of Kensington and Chelsea.


I did enjoy this line "The plans, unveiled by the Mayor at his City Hall press conference, are likely to form the centrepiece of his reelection campaign." Please do Ken, I think it might tip the balance towards Boris. I must listen to radio bloke tomorrow - that's TalkSport - should be interesting...