Norris offer to C-charge guru

The architect of the congestion charge will be offered a job "on day one" if Steve Norris becomes London Mayor.

Senior civil engineer Derek Turner would get a new post because Mr Norris admires his " professionalism and ability".

But the Tory mayoral candidate confirmed that would abolish the very scheme that Mr Turner set up.

Mr Norris also pledged to cancel any outstanding congestion charge fines because it would be too costly to pursue them.

He said that if he wins the mayoral election in June he would want to "sit down and talk with Derek Turner" although he did not specify what job would be offered.

Mr Norris said, however, that he would want to make big cuts at Transport for London, shedding 1,000 of more than 3,500 administrative posts.

Staffing levels at City Hall - the Mayor's headquarters - would also be cut from 630 to around 400, said Mr Norris.

"It is quite scandalous, the way it is run," he said. "The Mayor has more press officers than Tony Blair."

He added: "I would make way for Derek Turner by booking economy seats on a Jumbo for all the Americans now employed by Transport for London.

"There is no reason they should not do their gardening leave in New York," added Mr Norris, who singled out Transport Commissioner Bob Kiley for comment.

Mr Norris also said he would consider new underground carparks in London to solve parking shortages.