Congestion charges for Kingston?

So Mayor Livingstone wants a congestion charge for Kingston. No thanks.

My scepticism about a Kingston congestion charge might surprise. After all, I supported the central London charge - and pay it: MPs, rightly, are not exempt.

Yet a Kingston charge and a central London charge are different propositions.

Every alternative had been tried for central London. Public transport links are many.

That’s not the case for London’s suburbs. Congestion is a problem, but there are many transport options still to try - before considering local charges.

Park and ride works in many English towns. From land by Junction 9 on the M25 to a weekend scheme from the proposed car park at Kingston Hospital, we have local options.

We’ve only begun to explore ways of encouraging people to walk, ride cycles and use existing public transport. I favour an idea from Perth that cut traffic by over 15%, drawing up individual travel plans for citizens – quick, cheap and environmentally sustainable.

So I’m pleased Simon Hughes, the Lib Dem Mayoral candidate, says his priority is improving the central charge.

If a Kingston charge was introduced, where Borough residents were exempt, and the proceeds helped improve local transport, well may be that’s a future option.

But neighbouring Boroughs would copy – and I doubt that’s the Mayor’s thinking.

Livingstone’s council tax rises have been the highest in Britain already. He’s cost Londoners enough.