The Mayor of London has announced changes to the central London congestion charge, that will see low emission cars exempt from payments, and highest emitters charged a large penalty. There is also no longer a blanket exemption for hybrids and double-cab pickup trucks have also been singled out for special attention in the new charging scales.
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The lowest emission cars that emit less than 120g/km CO2, and also meet Euro IV emissions standards, will receive a 100% discount from the GBP8-a-day congestion charge – they must register and pay an annual GBP10 fee.
Meanwhile, the highest emitters, which emit more than 225g/km CO2, will be subject to a GBP25-a-day charge, instead of the standard GBP8 – 17% of cars that currently drive into the congestion charge zone are high emitting vehicles.
The congestion charge was originally introduced to improve traffic flow in central London, itself a carbon-saving measure, but this lastest measure is clearly aimed at encouraging people to own less-polluting vehicles and is part of the Mayor’s Climate Change Action Plan, which aims to reduce London’s CO2 emissions by 60% by 2025.
Mayor Ken Livingstone said: “The CO2 emissions from the most high powered 4x4s (SUVs) and sports cars can be up to four times as great of those of the least polluting cars. The CO2 charge will encourage people to switch to cleaner vehicles or public transport and ensure that those who choose to carry on driving the most polluting vehicles help pay for the environmental damage they cause.”
Livingstone added: “We will be closely monitoring this scheme to ensure that goal of reducing traffic congestion in central London remains a central priority.”
The mayor’s efforts to high CO2 emitters are so far unique. Many cities have limited cars in their centres to reduce local smog levels. A new law passed in Germany last year on particulate emissions has forced some German cities to introduce low emission zones, with restrictions on high-polluting vehicles, for the first time.
