PRESS RELEASE

11 JANUARY 2002

OTTAWAY PRESSES PRIME MINISTER ON CONGESTION CHARGES

Richard Ottaway, Conservative MP for Croydon South, at Prime Minister's Question Time on Wednesday 9 January, questioned the Prime Minister's intentions on the introduction of the congestion charge. (see Hansard 9th January)

Mr Ottaway said:

"During the London Mayoral and Assembly Elections in May 2000 the Prime Minister made his opposition to the congestion charge completely clear. He warned of its dangers and its costs. To subsequently find that he is absolving himself of any responsibility for it, simple will not wash.

"Likewise, the U turn by Labour members of the Assembly, who now support the Congestion charge is unacceptable. The introduction of the congestion charge will be chaotic and is badly thought out.

However, my biggest concern is that the idea will spread and it will be Croydon next. We must not allow this to happen".

Ends