Tax and Spy
Posted on 24. Mar, 2009 by Richard Barnbrook in Latest News
The following press release will be going out this afternoon but I thought you might like a preview before I press the button.
Variable congestion charge is simply an excuse to tax and spy
“Six years ago, there was no congestion charge. Now, proposals for an ‘intelligent congestion charge system’ are being considered which would in effect lead to more detailed monitoring of our individual movements under the auspices of taxing motorists for the use of roads that they have already paid for in their annual car tax. This suggestion is intrusive and oppressive,” said Mr Barnbrook, Assembly Member for the British National Party.
Mr Barnbrook was responding to proposals made by Mayor Boris Johnson to alter the current fixed daily rate congestion charge system to one based on a model used in Stockholm, which would charge motorists different rates depending on the time of day that they entered the congestion charge zone.
“This is just the thin end of the wedge,” said Mr Barnbrook. “A huge amount of money is being ripped off motorists every day, but the level of congestion has risen back to what it was before congestion charging was imposed. Under these proposals, we are now going to be charged for the dubious pleasure of having our detailed movements recorded, and this for the purpose of being taxed.”
Mr Barnbrook stated that the fundamental issue of increasing population levels was being swept under the carpet. “London is basically overcrowded, and measures have to be taken to tackle the problem at source. Until the issue of immigration and its effects on the level of population in London is addressed, the problem of traffic congestion is just one of many that will continue to escalate, congestion charge or no congestion charge. “
Tomorrow, I’ll be in the GLA Colosseum putting a rather awkward question in front of Mayor Boris with regards his appalling illegal immigrant amnesty proposals. I have my doubts as to whether or not he will be able to squirm his way out of a response without alienating many who will have voted for him.
