[BBKing]

If I want to drive my Porsche or X5 through london why should I be penalised

a) because you're having an effect on the environment of the people who live and work there
b) because you're taking up road space which could be used more efficiently
c) because there's a perfectly good alternative
d) because the people who live there want you to, it's called democracy

I've paid it precisely once, which as I've said before I've more than saved in discounts by using Oyster and because bus fares in London are cheaper than the rest of the country and in real terms (and tube fares in the suburbs are a ridiculous bargain of a quid anywhere). If it really were a tax the proceeds of it (legally ringfenced for public transport) wouldn't be spent on measures designed to help people avoid paying it, would they? It's precisely what it says on the tin, a charge designed to encourage modal shift, provide money for public transport (does anyone sane seriously think Ken sticks it in his Swiss bank account?) and reduce air pollution. Now it's proposed to extend this to reducing CO2 emissions, but only after an election.

Next. Incidentally, Mr. Leninspart would like you to know that:

"It's very hard, given that I've sat squat on the centre of the political spectrum, [for the assembly] to actually find much to complain about," he quips.

He's nowhere near the stereotypical Red Ken these days, he's as likely to borrow ideas from the US and Singapore and have lunch with a businessman than he is to big up Venezuela and visit a lesbian co-op in Hackney. Read the whole article (yes, obviously it's the Guardian, so go and read Boris' campaign website - http://www.backboris.com/ - for some balance if you want).

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/20...tone.interview

it is up to these stores, to put a stop to him,

Even the ones in Kingston-upon-Thames, 10+ miles outside the CC zone? Why would they bother? They exist to sell things and make a profit, not campaign against things that enjoy mass support.

everywhere you go, it cost money

Try walking. Free as the air.

everywhere you go, there is a traffic warden, giving you grief

Try the tube. Guaranteed free of traffic wardens.

l just hope and pray, he doesn't get in again, as what will happen next.

Given his past record, what will happen is precisely what he said would happen. As the article says, what he's really done is end-run the Whitehall Sir Humphreys and lo-and-behold that means things get done faster, better and more efficiently. So if you like hands on politicians and dislike Civil Service bureaucracy...