Cambridge Congestion Charge Protest 26th February 2023: Part 7 - Kevin Rogers of the GMB

Kevin Roberts is branch secretary of the GMB Union in Cambridge.
http://www.gmbcambridge2.co.uk/index.php/contact-us/1-branch-secretary
"Kevin Roberts, Cambridge branch secretary of the GMB Union, which has declared its opposition to the proposals, told the crowd: “The GMB is 100 per cent in favour of having a world class transport system and for Cambridge to be sustainable and green and congestion free, but this proposal will not work. It is a tax on the poorest in our community and we cannot see how it will achieve the desired outcome of reduced congestion.”"
https://www.cambridgeindependent.co.uk/news/it-s-a-tax-on-the-poorest-thousands-of-people-join-rally-9301013/
The proponents of the charge say nothing will happen until a suitable public transport system has been put in place to enable people to travel easily without resorting to their cars. Just perfect for all the plumbers, electricians, builders, delivery drivers etc. etc. etc. even if I did believe the the GCP's promises, which I don't.
The proposal is that every vehicle will be charged to enter, exit or just drive around Cambridge on weekdays between 7am and 7pm. The cost to motorbikes and cars will be £5/day, to vans £10/day and to lorries £50/day. There is no doubt this will drive (no pun intended) small, independent shops out of business and will cripple the low paid. However, large national and international businesses and the wealthy will be just fine, so that's okay then. For a moment there I was worried.
No doubt this is just the start of the process that is also unfolding in Oxford and Canterbury, where driving freely when and where you choose in a private vehicle will become the status symbol of the rich. Since it is all in the name of saving the planet, they get to feel good about themselves while they do it. Perfect. Champagne all round; not for you though, serf.

Cambs against congestion charge is on Facebook.
They can be contacted at:
[email protected]

The GCP website can be found here:
https://www.greatercambridge.org.uk/