Why no one in London challenges the mayor's new congestion charges?

Question

This is a new tax through the back door on people of London and soon the whole country, as the other local authorities will start doing the same.

Answer 1

MUPPETS THE LOT OF THEM!!!

Answer 2

If people don't like the Mayor's policies they can kick him out at the next election. However as I suspect most people are actually in favour of the congestion charge I doubt if this will happen. The government is trying to pluck up the courage to introduce road pricing on British roads. This measure is sorely needed since currently demand far outstrips supply. Sooner or later it will have to come - but the motoring lobby is so selfish, so entenched and so vocal (and the government is so scared of it) that it will take a long time to achieve. Currently congestion is a 'back door tax' on EVERYONE.

Answer 3

Because its fair.

Anyone that lives in central London and can afford a car, including the cost of parking and fuel, should easily be able to afford 8 quid a day or whatever for the congestion charge.

More to the point though, London has one of the best public transport systems in the World so you just shouldn't need to drive into the city. With the possible exception of delivery drivers, its a fair tax on the pollution and congestion drivers cause by travelling through central London.

Answer 4

The easiest way to challenge him would be to not vote for him. In the last election in 2004, which was just after the introduction of the scheme, more people voted for him than anyone else. So not enough people can be outraged by the scheme.

Groups such as Transport 2000 support the scheme. US embassy staff refuse to pay and perhaps they are the best organised opposition to it, they owe USD $1.6M in unpaid charges.

There are also several well organised groups in west London who oppose the expansion of the scheme. Kensington & Chelsea considered mounting a legal challenge, but backed down in the end.

Answer 5

If the tens of millions of rats in the cage called London who concern that intercourse, money or homicide are what all strangers prefer, controlled to vote for an fool that even there own party individuals are embarrassed approximately, then they gets what they deserve. How London will withstand the Olympics i do no longer understand. London has enjoyed extra helpful public transport in contemporary cases and an suggestions-set of international progression, one in all those component that have been given it the Olympics which particularly would not have handed off if it had in simple terms been the money grabbing centre of neurosis this is its underbelly. i do no longer anticipate that fool will win by way of transferable 2d vote; some people in London are smart, even with the placement. if so, it is going to could beware for national politicians attempting to harness it and make it into the decrease throat capital of the international. no longer a place to be un til 2013.

Answer 6

They did when the congestion charge extension to west London was discused in a consultation with businesses and residents a majority voted against extending it but as usual ken Livingstone wasn't interested in listening to what the people want and is introducing it regardless.

Only way to get him out is to vote him out and then who will replace him and will it change anything

Though I am not against reducing congestion in London this has got out of control and is now a personal vendetta by Ken Livingstone against London's drivers as is the same with our car hating Government erm who dint hate their jaguar limousines just everyone Else's cars.

Answer 7

So you are a free marketeer? If central London's roads were privatised, the toll would be a lot higher than £10. Basic supply/demand theory: Lots of cars, very little road to go between them. There is no way around that fact. Think about it.

Answer 8

With more cars on the road than ever b4 can any one else suggest an alternative? 4 yrs ago it took me 20 mins to drive to work it now takes me 35mins all due to more cars. Each household had 1 car when i was younger, now its 4?. I dont like the charges (no one likes spending money if they can help it) but what other incentives stop our towns and cities snarling up.

Answer 9

How can you challenge. Boycott driving into central London and take the train? That's exactly what he wants. Blow up the houses of parliament. I think that was tried before and failed. You've either got to like it or lump it.

Answer 10

No-one challenges it because it works!

It an excellent thing - before central London was gridlocked!

Answer 11

i disagree with the congestion charge, but 4x4s should only be available to those who will actually use them as 4x4s, not for posing. there should be some kind of law preventing polluting posers from buying it for their blonde 20 year old girlfriend and thier puppy.