Vince Cable

In Transport Questions today (Tuesday) MP Vincent Cable tackled the Transport Minister about the Mayor's lack of flexibility in granting exemptions from the charge.

Vincent Cable said: "There is little doubt that the charge has been a success, to date, in discouraging cars from entering central London and reducing congestion. To this extent I welcome it. But there is a feeling of rough justice amongst individuals who have been denied exemptions."

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"These include disabled people like Thalidomide victims - 150 have been refused a badge because they can walk and use special vehicles, though they have serious problems using public transport; groups like the Macmillan Nurses attending to sick patients; and small businesses providing essential services."

Vincent Cable said: "Now that the charge scheme is up and running and the Mayor has been vindicated, it is time to sort out the many aspects of the scheme that are unfair".