Red Ken’s trying to turn Green – he’s already had the balls to introduce the Congestion Charge (which I fully support) but another one of his proposals is a large fine/tax on large diesel vans/lorries which do not meet emmission controls standards.
This proposal is at consultation stage at the moment (so any Londoners can give their views)
Although the overall initiative to reduce pollution is good, I have concerns over the these plans.. (and I am someone who cycles everywhere, tries to be eco-friendly and doesn’t even own a motor vehicle!)
The scheme would potentially involve the registration of all large vehicles entering London and their movements being monitored on CCTV by both TfL staff and Scotland Yard’s Road Policing Units to ensure the rules are being complied with.
I would expect that particular attention will be paid to older vehicles or those which do not show a recogniseable “corporate branding”
I don’t think Ken’s intention is evil – but theres a danger of “function creep” should this scheme be implemented – pollution control aside, this regime would clearly be a good excuse for cops and other authorities to control the movements of “large vehicles”.
The implications for the drivers/owners of rig vans are obvious…
