| Congestion is a London wide problem
Congestion is a London wide problem that
requires London wide solutions. It is a bit like a balloon, if you
artificially try and reduce it one area, it grows in another.
The congestion charge has failed to cut
congestion. In
fact, traffic speeds are now slower inside the zone than before the
charge was introduced, and congestion has risen at its boundaries.
See
"Congestion Charge – Impacts Monitoring – Fifth Annual Report. Transport
for London June 2007." Those outside
the zone suffer a "double whammy" - increased congestion and payment of the
full charge if they enter the zone.
Most of London's areas of congestion lie
outside the area covered by the charge.
For many public transport does not offer an alternative
Currently, public transport is far from perfect; it does not cover all areas or provide
the service that many people need. For instance, for those with young
children, it is often much easier and safer to drive. Many people have jobs, often
in the relatively poorly paid service and public sectors, and other
commitments for which travelling by car is a necessity rather than a luxury.
It does not finance significant
improvements in public transport
The money raised by the charge - about £90m
last year - is
a small fraction of what is required to make real improvements to
transport in London - far less than the cost of Transport
for London's 11,000 strong bureaucracy!
Massive investment is
required to transform public transport but London and the South East contribute at
least £30bn net a year to public finances. We will campaign for more of
this money to be spent invested in London. A vote for us,
is a vote to put London first. Our plans do not necessarily mean that
other parts of the UK will lose out. It is time for central government
to put its house in order. The Taxpayers Alliance estimate that nearly
£100bn is wasted each year.
It is does not help the environment
People make longer journeys, use more fuel and create more pollution as
they look for ways to avoid entering the congestion charging zone. Even
within the Zone, there has been no significant or consistent change in
the general level of air pollution since the charge was introduced.
It not a London solution - London should be open not closed
London is a world city that should be encouraging people into its centre,
not devising ways to keep them out. London has thrived on being open to
all.
There is a better way
We must invest in public transport and technology to make real and
lasting cuts to congestion levels and to address the challenges of
global warming. |
