Traffic charge 'is unfair to the poor'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.An influential committee of MPs has criticised the congestion charge scheme to be launched in London next week, warning against similar projects being adopted elsewhere in Britain.
The Transport Select Committee, in a report published today, backs attempts to cut congestion in British cities but raises serious concerns about the precise scheme chosen by London's Mayor, Ken Livingstone, and the impact it might have on Londoners.
The report says the London scheme disadvantages the poor, could lead to problems elsewhere on the road network and does not have the benefit of a pilot study to iron out "teething problems".
Gwyneth Dunwoody, the committee chair, said: "Although we support the Mayor's objectives, we are concerned about the way the scheme is implemented and the systems which support it."
The report calls on the Mayor to minimise the "pain" of the charge. Future schemes are urged to resist schemes that "merely displace traffic", moving the problem from one place to another.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments