Dan -- good questions! Regarding the "congestion tax" or "congestion charge": check out the link below to get an idea of how it works in London. A congestion charge makes drivers much more aware of the normanlly "externalized" costs of choosing to drive in the most congested times and places. With a congestion charge in effect, London has raised revenue to support bike, pedestrian and transit infrastructure, while discouraging enough drivers from driving at the worst times and places to significantly reduce congestion.
Traffic congestion is reduced, revenue is raised, and urban infrastructure is built which is far more energy efficient, and which encourages active transportation, which is healthy for individuals and which helps to create safer and more livable street environments. Car traffic congestion can be dealt with by raising revenue as opposed to spending money on building bigger and *always* more congested roads which destroy neighborhoods, safe and nurturing streetlife, and community. http://www.cclondon.com/ here is a site with lots of links to explore the idea: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_Congestion_Charge here is a site with some actual policy reviews: http://www.policylibrary.com/transport/ and here is another interesting, very recent article (Congestion Charge PLUS banning SUVs from city centers!?!?! -- What!?!?! -- What!?!?!? <g>) http://www.automotive-business-review.com/article_feature.asp?guid=75F4932D-DA62-4860-9BFF-F30DC7A3E0E8 As I've said, I think this is fundamentally about our own sense of entitlement to a very violent way of life which is homicidal in relation to others and the earth, and ultimately suicidal for us all. The consequencs of our addiction to petroleum make those related to tobacco absolutley puny in comparison. -- pedaling for peace and ecojustice and a safer, more nurturing streetlife -- currently from Kingfield -- Gary Hoover REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
