It is demonstrably the case that 'black' cabs contribute significantly to
congestion within central London.

Therefore, why are they exempt from the congestion charge? I know taxi
drivers have lots of votes in marginal constituencies such as Ilford North,
Eltham and Finchley, but other than this political consideration, were there
any *good* reasons for excluding taxis from the CC?

The cost to taxi drivers could surely have been offset by increasing the
meter rate, which those with expense accounts who form the majority of black
cab clientele would hardly notice or care about.

If economic circumstances are going to force cuts in the bus network, and/or
dramatic fare increases, isn't it time to look at this again?

And talking about generating revenue, are embassies/high commissions paying
the CC and parking fines now, or are they still outrageously flouting the
law? If the latter, is there any good reason why the relevant vehicles are
not clamped and towed away?

Chris