By Martin Banks - 17th February 2011
Livingstone took the crucial step of putting ideas into practice
Brian Simpson
European commission vice president Siim Kallas says Europe's railways have a "crucial" role to play in confronting future environmental challenges.
He also said the rail network can help boost European competitiveness as member states emerge from the economic downturn.
Addressing a Brussels awards ceremony, he said, "Railways are an essential part in responding to global competition and they should play a major role in reducing the dependency of Europe on fossil fuels and the reduction of our emission of greenhouse gases."
Kallas, the EU transport commissioner, was speaking at a ceremony jointly organised by the European Rail Infrastructure Managers.
He presented an award to Ken Livinsgtone, the former mayor of London, who received the European Railway Award 2011 for his decision to implement the congestion charge in inner London in 2003.
The event heard that the scheme was instrumental in "setting the example of how to improve the sustainability of transport."
The scheme aims to ensure that the transport network as a whole benefits from the charge, as by law all revenue raised must be invested in improving transport in London.
The event was told that the level of traffic of all vehicle types entering the central congestion charge zone was 16 per cent lower in 2006 than the pre-charge levels in 2002.
Accepting the award, Livingstone outlined his thoughts behind the decision to implement the policy.
He said, "The London congestion charge has been clearly effective in encouraging people to switch to public transport and less polluting alternative modes of transport.
"Applying the 'polluter pays' principle clearly demonstrates the benefits that can be achieved through the proper charging for external effects of road transport, and I encourage other cities to follow."
Speaking at the same event, UK Socialist MEP Brian Simpson, who chairs parliament's transport and tourism committee, said, "Giving the award to Ken Livingstone is a recognition of the great political leadership he has shown in pushing through tough transport policy choices which have often gone against the popular tide of thinking.
"We hear a lot of rhetoric about wanting to get people out of their cars and onto public transport, but Livingstone took the crucial step of putting ideas into practice.
"He delivered a sustainable transport agenda for London, showing us concrete action that delivered on the EU's transport priorities of promoting public transport, reducing emissions and tackling congestion in city centres.
"In introducing the congestion charge, Livingstone made London an example to cities throughout Europe and across the world. Ken's policy saw a 20 per cent drop in CO2 emissions and raised crucial funds to be reinvested in improving the capital's public transport."
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