New York mayor praises c-charge

Mr Bloomberg was elected Mayor of New York in 2001

The Mayor of New York has praised the effectiveness of London's congestion charging scheme as he moves towards introducing similar plans for New York.

Michael Bloomberg was shown the extent to which the city's toll charge has reduced cars entering central London.

He also looked at improvements to London's bus services.

Mr Bloomberg and mayor Ken Livingstone, also outlined the challenges their cities face on transport and climate change, at City Hall.

'Congested districts'

Mr Bloomberg said: "As two of the world's great financial centres, New York and London share many things, including congested central business districts.

"Congestion pricing is working here in London and we can make similar improvements to our economy, public health and air quality in New York."

Mr Bloomberg was elected mayor of New York on 7 November 2001, replacing Rudolph Giuliani.

He is a former Wall Street banker and founded the media and financial data firm Bloomberg LP.

The congestion charge scheme was introduced in central London in February 2003.

The charge is active between 0700 BST and 1800 BST, Monday to Friday, excluding Public Holidays.

All vehicles, excluding taxis, licensed minicabs, blue and orange badge holders, and some other vehicles, driving in central London, within a designated zone, have to pay £8.00.

The zone was extended to parts of west London in February.