The Congestion charge could only ever work in a few cities

With Manchester being given the all clear to proceed with plans for a congestion charge, it brings in to the open that only one other city has expressed a clear and definite interest in joining London in having a congestion charge.

There is, the aspect of political self interest. Any council, and party, likely to introduce a congestion charge will see the fate that befell Ken Livingstone and will no doubt take heed. This is going to be the biggest disincentive of all. But there are more important issues.

Manchester has more than one public transport network, with the city being bless with the Metrolink light railway "tram" system, in addition to buses. This means Manchester commuters have more choices and Manchester itself has more avenues through which to channel the cash they will receive from motorists. But what of other cities ?

Cambridge has applied to the government to introduce a charge. However apart from buses and their park and ride system, there are few alternatives. The same could be said of virtually every other town and city in the UK except for a handful.

So in truth, even if you are a fan of congestion charging, in reality it is a non starter for most of the country and always will be.

Well Ken Livingstone can never be accused of being all talk

Brave or stupid ? Just a year before the London mayoral elections, Ken Livingstone has probably done his chances of re-election no good at all by extending the congestion charge zone to the west.

I'm not arguing about the rights and wrongs of the decision, as someone who avoid London if at all possible, it is not something I am going to have to worry about. However, it does highlight the fact that when Ken Livingstone thinks something is right and proper, he does it, irrespective of whether it is always popular or not.

Like him or loathe him, he is a conviction politician, and we the world of politics would be poorer without him, although you might argue that the people of London wouldn't be, in fact, probably quite the reverse.

Don't get Iain Dale angry !

Yesterday Iain wrote THIS, then today THIS happened.

Let that be a lesson to us all !


P.S. Before anyone takes me seriously, "yes", I am joking and "No" it's not funny if someone has been hurt but according to reports the injuries are minor and she will make a complete recovery.