The 17 February marks the fifth anniversary of the Mayor s Congestion Charge. When it was introduced the Mayor claimed that it would reduce congestion and raise funds for investment in London s transport system. It has failed to deliver either of these ob

The 17 February marks the fifth anniversary of the Mayor's Congestion Charge. When it was introduced the Mayor claimed that it would reduce congestion and raise funds for investment in London's transport system. It has failed to deliver either of these objectives.

So now the Mayor is rebranding it as the "Emissions Related Congestion Charge" and has slapped a £25 fee on vehicles emitting over 225g of CO2 per km in either the central or the western extension in the name of environmental protection. But, this is all spin. Transport for London's own figures show that, at best, CO2 emissions would be cut by less than 0.1%. What's more, two entire classes of car are now exempt from any charge - how does that cut carbon emissions? The Mayor has tried to claim this is a tax on 4x4s, but family cars like some Ford Mondeos and Vauxhall Vectras will also have to pay £25 to drive in the zone. Ordinary families will pay for the Mayor's cheap headlines.

Central London needs a solution to its traffic congestion. After eight years, Ken Livingstone has proved himself incapable of providing one.

Yours faithfully

Brian Coleman

Assembly Member for Barnet

Deputy Chairman of the London Assembly