Archived press release

Friends of the earth backs mayor over congestion charge

17 February 2003

Commenting on the start of congestion charging in central London, Friends of the Earth's Executive Director Tony Juniper said:

"Ken Livingstone should be congratulated for having the political courage to try and tackle London's appalling traffic. Congestion charging is essential. So is improved public transport. We need to make the capital a city for people. The charge may well face teething problems, but it must be given time to work. There is no credible alternative."

"Typically, the Labour Government has refused to back the scheme out of fear of upsetting the motoring lobby, while the Tories have decided to use the scheme as a `golden opportunity to get a few quotes in the papers'. This political cowardice and opportunism helps explain why the UK transport system is such a shambles."

A full briefing on congestion charging is available from Friends of the Earth

Also see www.foe.co.uk/congestion

For further information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust

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Archived press release

Friends of the earth backs mayor over congestion charge

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