Congestion charging sham

I was appalled but unsurprised to read Ken livingstones comments in teh Eevening standard with regards to the recent "consultation" on the proposal to extend the congestion charging zone.

According to The Standard Ken commented (about the consultation), " I think it is a complete charade. I think I should make the decisions for London. I went into the election [last year] and said I was going to do this . We will consult and we will absorb - but a consultation is not a referendum."

What I would like to know is why on the TfL website does it state "Your comments count" - when clearly they don't. Why has TfL spent thousands of pounds "distributing leaflets to households and businesses within the area of the proposed enlarges zone, as well as the area immediately surrounding it," when you arent going to listen.

Why was the consultation, "extensively advertised on the perss, on the radio and online to encourage people to respond with their views," when it looks like your mind was made up?

Labour's listening? Not much!