MAYOR OF LONDON, CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE PROPOSED £25 CONGESTION CHARGE

That this House is concerned at the news that Mayor of London Boris Johnson is to drop plans to introduce a £25 carbon dioxide charge on the most polluting vehicles entering central London; notes that the plans were introduced in an attempt to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the capital; further notes that the plans would have made huge progress in encouraging people to use public transport in London; recognises that if climate change is ever to be successfully tackled considerable changes like the congestion charges must be brought in; further recognises that dealing with the fuel crisis means people should be encouraged to drive smaller cars and use less fuel; believes it is unfair that by scrapping the plans the taxpayer must finance £400,000 in a legal payout to Porsche; and calls on the Mayor seriously to reconsider his decision bearing in mind the necessity of fighting climate change, the importance of encouraging the use of public transport and the unfairness of asking taxpayers to foot a £400,000 legal bill.