Richmond Congestion Charge? asks Vincent Cable MP

12.00.00am GMT Wed 5th Mar 2003

Could this be Richmond next?

Richmond Borough was named today (in the Evening Standard) as one of seven London boroughs which are investigating the introduction of a local version of Mayor Livingstone's congestion charge.

Several years ago the borough carried out technical tests of the feasibility of congestion charging locally and is identified as appropriate for congestion charging because of severe traffic problems. Kingston is also one of the seven.

Vincent Cable, MP, who raised a question on congestion charging with transport minister Alistair Darling in parliament this week said: "This represents a rather abrupt U turn by the Conservative council but it is brave."

"After the initial success of the London scheme it is sensible that councils should be looking at how to discourage unnecessary road use."

"The congestion and pollution at peak hours on roads leading in and out of the borough, caused by people commuting to the borough by car, are severe".

"My concerns about the charge are less of principle than practicality - like the inclusion in the charge of people who cannot use public transport, for instance Thalidomide victims, or those with severe autistic problems."

"I have asked the government to come up with guidance on a range of exclusions of disabled people - not all of whom are covered by the Blue Badge scheme - and some necessary workers like Macmillan Nurses".