Tomorrow marks the start of consultation over Ken Livingstone’s plans to charge drivers of ‘gas guzzling’ vehicles up to £25 per day should they venture into Central London.
Writing in today’s Guardian the Mayor says he expects “most Londoners, when they have weighed up the pros and cons, will agree with this policy” and points to a poll which showed “64% backed the idea of a £25 charge when it was first proposed.”
In an age of politicians saying one thing and doing another Livingstone offers a honestly derived, conviction based approach to policy making. Few politicians today would have the courage to announce such controversial plans just ahead of an election.
With so much discussion of next year’s Mayoral elections centering around image and personality it’s worthwhile acknowledging the honesty and principle demonstrated in this approach – these are the basis on which Londoners should decide who to vote for, not which candidate is the “nicer bloke”.
anon says
Calling Ken principled will get you lynched or carted away 😀
2BemusedLondoners says
Most politicians tend to ‘discover; their awkward policies after the votes have been counted so I agree KL deserves some praise for airing this before the elections.
I don’t know him deserves the plaudits the OP gives him mind but if we want more honesty in politics U guess we have to recognise it when we see it.
I Pay for Ken says
If Ken is so principled (he isn’t of course), why does the ‘Consultatation’ not allow those ‘consulted’ to say NO to the proposal