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 Livingstone contemplates congestion tax.
2002-02-28
London Mayor Ken Livingstone is close to introducing a controversial taxation scheme for drivers in Central London in a bid to relieve chronic congestion problems. The tax, which will be around £5 per car per day, will be active in a special inner London zone and will run from 7am to 6:30pm. The scheme will be enforced by a dedicated CCTV programme to detect cars that have not purchased permits. Statistically, the average speed of motor vehicles in the zone is under 10mph, emphasising the size of the problem. Supporters of the tax have cited environmental and economic benefits, whereas opponents have claimed that public transport should have been targeted for improvement before the tax introduction. A decision is expected later this week, and if introduced, the tax will begin in about a year.
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