Congestion Tax Nabs Thousands

The Scotsman reports that 10,000 Londoners were hit with stiff fines for failure to pay the $8 fee imposed on those who drive into the city.

There's a definite light-and-dark aspect to this new policy. On the light side, it is a form of congestion pricing, allowing drivers to pay for the use of roads with something other than precious time. Payment is also possible by a variety of electronic means, including the Web. On the dark side, the policy is incredibly clumsy, enforced by London's omnipresent security cameras, and may be a half-step towards banning cars from the city altogether.

Bonus question for UK readers: what the hell is a "rat-run"?