We report this unfortunate development in solidarity with our British comrades. As if it weren't hard enough living in London – already one of the most expensive cities in the world – Mayor Ken Livingstone has drastically increased the congestion charge for cars entering the city. The fine, originally instituted in 2003 at ₤5, will jump exponentially to ₤25 per day for every vehicle entering downtown London. The news follows last week's announcement that the charge for commercial vehicles increased to a whopping ₤200. City officials claim the ₤30-50 million it will raise from the added tax revenues each year will be invested into public transportation. Conservative MP (and noted car nut) Boris Johnson calls the charge a "stealth tax" on families requiring larger cars. As before, low-emissions cars are exempt from paying the fee. Not to worry, though: for drivers who have yet to trade in their secure Range Rovers for an unsafe G-Wiz, the now even-further reviled "Red Ken" Livingstone has a plan: 6,000 rental bicycles to be made available around London by 2010, which should pose no problem for commuters in rain-swept England. [via autoblog via jalopnik via bloomingberg] fuuuuck thats like 52 dollars a day just to drive into a city, insanity. I'd hate to live in london.
its a shame. they are going to that here too. except they are doing it for the west side of the country.
i know wtf hmmm im glad i only drive a 1 litre hahaha, but last time we drove in our 4x4 it was already £25
You think thats bad, its just the tip of the iceberg. In the UK we have; one of the highest taxes on petrol, speed cameras, new stupid pay meter system (watch top gear and you'll know what i mean) Sorry if i sound unpleasant but things like this just grind my gears.
its all bs. just to get more cash. if 50% takes pt see how fast they change this blackmailing back. whole system will collapse.
London is a very expensive city even without the congestion charge. But now quintuple it will definitely bring London back to the Stone Age. Where everybody walks to office -evil
i watch top gear religiously lol. ive seen every episode (except the first season which is the suck) atleast 4 times. Too bad the season is over, i'd like to see Jeremy Clarkson go mental over this issue lol.
