Bojo Kills C-Charge Hike, Pays Porsche Lawyer Bill

by Edward Niedermeyer

Published: July 8th, 2008

bojo kills c charge hike pays porsche lawyer bill

London's new Mayor Boris Johnson has scrapped his predecessors plans to hike congestion charges to nearly $50 per day, reports the Times. Not only has BoJo repealed Ken Livingstone's proposed fee bump, but he's even paid Porsche's six-figure legal bill after the German automaker lead the charge against the increase. "I am delighted that we have been able to scrap the £25 charge, which would have hit families and small businesses hardest," said Johnson. "I believe the proposal would actually have made congestion worse by allowing thousands of small cars in for free." And what makes "Red" Ken Livingstone most angry about the reversal of his controversial legacy? Environmental damage? Long commute times? No, it's the lost revenue for the city government. "The claim that £10m has been 'saved' by scrapping the CO2 charge is entirely false – in reality London will lose £30 million – £60million expected annual revenue from the scheme," said Livingstone. With that admission, any pretext that the beefed-up congestion charge is actually an environmental or traffic-calming measure is well and truly put to bed. Along with Mr Livingstone's political career. And good riddance too.

Edward Niedermeyer

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4 of 9 comments

Psarhjinian on Jul 08, 2008
it didn’t work in london, it hasn’t kept vehicles out or fund the public transport sufficiently as the company that ran it burnt through most of the money generated. It was just another tax as livingstone has just admitted! Not true. It has reduced congestion, and it is not revenue-negative; it did produce a surplus. If it hadn't, Livingstone wouldn't have said that losing it would deny London revenue. Admittedly from Wikipedia: Livingstone introduced the London congestion charge with the purpose of reducing traffic congestion in central London. Since being introduced the charge has proved to be controversial, though Transport for London maintains that traffic has fallen by 20% within the charge zone since the scheme began. One reason for the controversy is that whilst the scheme has been lucrative for its private-sector operator, Capita, some critics argue it has failed to raise the promised levels of funding for public transport as costs eat up the revenue. Capita did make money on it, that's true, but it isn't a black hole as some contend It just didn't make as much money as it might have if it was publicly managed. Of course, it might not have made any money at all, given how badly over-budget some projects go. Point is, it did work, and it was helping the city's infrastructure and it affected, for the most part, people who drive through some of the most expensive parts of the city and could pay the tax. Porsche complained because, well, guess where Porsche's clients live? Combined with Porsche's status as purveyor of discretionary toys for the well off, you can see why they might object.

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DearS on Jul 08, 2008

Government loves to steal it seems. Paying Porsche's fee seems that way. While Porsche is seemingly acting greedy again. People need a guide to overcoming ignorance and fear. Although I guess they may not realize that till the shit really hits the fan. I wonder. Isn't obvious that ignorance and fear is at the middle of all that is uncomfortable with the world. Fear Fear fear, Ignorance Ignorance Ignorance. Its a painful cycle. Being indifferent does not work either. Its just empty. Balance is key. Well I'm happy. I have fears to overcome and opportunities to enjoy myself. Lets no worry about what we do not have today and enjoy our lives. Greed be forgotten.

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GS650G on Jul 09, 2008

Finally a politician delivers. I can't wait to see what Boris does next.

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BostonTeaParty on Jul 09, 2008

psar, you believe everything on wiki?! do a search on increase in travel times within the zone, pollution levels, the return to pre charge levels of traffic volume and loss of business, smaller business since its implementation.

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