Last week I read in The Standard one of the most incredible headlines that I have ever read 'Ken vows to freeze C-charge in a car-friendly transport manifesto'. The story explained that:
So should I believe the above promises made by Ken Livingstone in full cuddly vote-garnering mode or look at his history and previous statements?
Remember it was Ken Livingstone that introduced the congestion zone in the first place, before that Londoners could actually drive into the centre of their city without having to pay for the privilege; imagine that. Ken also introduced the western extension to the congestion zone during his second term despite massive opposition to it. It was Boris Johnson who kept his election pledge when he scrapped the western extension, with none of the dire consequences that Ken and others predicted.
'Ken Livingstone today promised to freeze the congestion charge at £10 for the next four years if he wins the race for City Hall.Hmm those are some interesting promises for the usually anti-private motoring Ken Livingstone.
Labour's mayoral candidate ruled out reinstating the zone's western extension which was scrapped by Boris Johnson.
And he rejected a £25 gas guzzler charge - a key pledge at the the last election - saying it would be too expensive'
So should I believe the above promises made by Ken Livingstone in full cuddly vote-garnering mode or look at his history and previous statements?
Remember it was Ken Livingstone that introduced the congestion zone in the first place, before that Londoners could actually drive into the centre of their city without having to pay for the privilege; imagine that. Ken also introduced the western extension to the congestion zone during his second term despite massive opposition to it. It was Boris Johnson who kept his election pledge when he scrapped the western extension, with none of the dire consequences that Ken and others predicted.
As to the £25 charge for family sized 'gas guzzlers', Ken Livingstone introduced this policy in 2007 when mayor, here is the TFL proposal leaflet. Please remember that this wasn't just an idea Ken Livingstone was just considering, he had even decided on the date it was to be introduced - 27th October 2008. Thankfully Boris Johnson was elected mayor and scrapped the policy immediately. On 6th April last year Ken Livingstone was asked about this £25 charge and replied "Oh yes the £25 charge for gas guzzlers we’ll be straight back for that’, he also told the Guardian "It's definitely an idea we will revisit."
So who to believe: Ken Livingstone or Ken Livingstone? Well I tend to discount anything Ken Livingstone promises those, other than his core constituency, during an election campaign when he is just looking for votes and instead believe what he says when in his normal mode. So I believe Ken Livingstone wants to extend the congestion zone to the west again and to introduce a £25 charge for 'gas guzzlers' and these are jut two more reasons not to vote for Ken Livingstone.
So who to believe: Ken Livingstone or Ken Livingstone? Well I tend to discount anything Ken Livingstone promises those, other than his core constituency, during an election campaign when he is just looking for votes and instead believe what he says when in his normal mode. So I believe Ken Livingstone wants to extend the congestion zone to the west again and to introduce a £25 charge for 'gas guzzlers' and these are jut two more reasons not to vote for Ken Livingstone.
You might be interested in this: Why Ken can't cut fares - in his own words.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.notkenagain.com/home/2012/3/30/why-ken-cant-cut-fares-in-his-own-words.html