§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what his Department's policy is on the introduction of congestion charges in the Greater London area; and if he will make a statement. [144904]
§ Mr. HillThe Greater London Authority Act 1999 gives power to the Mayor and the boroughs to introduce road user charging schemes in Greater London. The Government believe that road user charging can be a useful part of a transport strategy in appropriate circumstances. It is for the Mayor, and the boroughs subject to the Mayor's consent, to judge whether schemes are justified in London.