Has Labour Declared War on Motorists?

Sadiq Khan is adamant. He has no intention of introducing pay-per-mile road charging. This is the allegation made by Tory mayoral hopeful, Susan Hall. One can see her point, in a book published in his name in 2023, (Breathe. Tackling the Climate Emergency), he made reference to “plans to introduce a new, more comprehensive, road-user charging system”.

Unfortunately for Khan, as the Telegraph reported on 27th April, there are at least 10 Labour councils across the capital who are really quite keen to make use of another unrestricted source of income. It will come as no surprise to learn that Newham is amongst them. Newham was quoted as being in support of a London-wide scheme, “which would also generate much-needed funds for public transport and active travel investment”.

It may be that the reference in the book was merely a sop to the Green lobby, but who can tell?

Khan has extended the congestion zone, he has introduced 20 mph on the roads and extended the ULEZ. The benefits of the latter may be significant, but we simply don’t know. He has resolutely refused to produce any data showing a reduction in accidents as a result of reduced speeds, nor improvements in the health of Londoners as a result of better air quality. His steadfast refusal only increases the cynicism of the public.

Locally, residents have seen new charges to park the first car in an RPZ, increased charges on all vehicles; increases in the cost of parking for visitors and when shopping; an aggressive policy of using cameras to fine motorists, (think Browning Road E12); aggressive enforcement.

Taxing car ownership has become the newest and easiest way to generate funds for cash-strapped councils and Newham is making the most of the opportunity. Remember, when Mayor Fiaz came into office, the first car permit was free for every household.