Skip to main content
London’s congestion charge: tackling climate chaos needs radical solutions and courageous political leadership
This month marks 20 years since the introduction of the congestion charge — one of the achievements I am most proud of from my time as mayor of London that I knew would gain support once it had started, writes KEN LIVINGSTONE
A congestion charge sign in London

THE congestion charge was both a progressive tax and an environmental tax.

It was an environmental tax because it targeted one of the biggest sources of pollution — traffic. In many ways, it was an early form of a carbon tax. Although we didn’t call it that at the time, we were already very concerned about climate change and air pollution, which meant we knew we had to use pricing to discourage unnecessary driving.

The congestion charge was progressive because it was deliberately designed to primarily affect the wealthiest Londoners, who contributed the vast majority of car trips in that zone of central London.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You can read five articles for free every month,
but please consider supporting us by becoming a subscriber.
More from this author
GREEN INNOVATION: The Cheonggyecheon urban redevelopment ope
Features / 29 July 2023
29 July 2023
It is mayors living close to the people who understand what is needed to tackle climate change better than national politicians in their private jets and chauffeur-driven cars, writes KEN LIVINGSTONE
PLENTY TO CHEW ON: (Left) Mission Barrio Adentro, Dr Jose Ca
Features / 1 July 2023
1 July 2023
With the 25th anniversary of his first election approaching this year, KEN LIVINGSTONE writes on the achievements and legacy of an important figure in Latin America’s history
WHAT’S FOR LUNCH? Reception class student Jayden-Luke Davi
Features / 16 June 2023
16 June 2023
KEN LIVINGSTONE writes on the importance of devolution – and using devolved powers for progressive ends
'Thatcher's approach to the 1984-85 miners’ strike was a p
Features / 19 May 2023
19 May 2023
Wide-ranging attacks on ‘enemies within’ are reminiscent of Thatcher’s assault on the miners, GLC, and black and Irish communities in the '80s, writes KEN LIVINGSTONE
Similar stories
US President Donald Trump stands in the presidential box as
Features / 20 March 2025
20 March 2025
As the ‘NRx movement’ plots to replace democracy with corporate-feudal dictatorship, Britain must pursue a radical alternative of local food security and genuine wealth redistribution to withstand the coming upheaval, writes ALAN SIMPSON
Greenpeace is urging a scheme similar to Germany's, where yo
Britain / 19 September 2024
19 September 2024
Indonesian President Joko Widodo (centre) talks to journalis
World / 12 August 2024
12 August 2024
Construction of the new city will cost at least $33bn and is being carved out of Borneo's jungle, putting indigenous people and endangered wildlife at risk
A man driving a car in traffic at night
Features / 9 May 2024
9 May 2024
Rishi Sunak’s propaganda glamorising car culture aims to whip up anti-green backlash from a fantasy world of tweed caps and open-top Morgans in a cynical vote-grabbing ploy, writes SALLY WILTON