Brian Coleman's arguments about congestion charging in London are riddled with inaccuracies (In a spin over fuel', Times letters, February 21).
He claims that, since its introduction five years ago, the congestion charge has failed to reduce congestion, or raise funds for investment in London's transport system.
However, the reality of the matter is that 70,000 fewer vehicles enter the charging zone each day than before the charge was introduced, preventing London from gridlock. It has also provided significant revenues, £123 million last year alone, for investment in the transport system.
In attacking the introduction of the CO2 charge, he fails to mention this will mean that the polluter pays' - that cars with the highest greenhouse gas emissions will pay for the damage they cause, and that the cleanest will be exempt.
Brian Coleman will also be aware that there is overwhelming enthusiasm for these proposals by Londoners - with two thirds supportive of higher charges for the cars that emit the highest levels of CO2.
The CO2 charge will provide investment for green transport programmes that will make a real contribution to tackling global warming and could cut carbon emissions by up to 500,000 tons.
Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London
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