13-02-2008
London modifies congestion charge regime
News by Adfero for Simply Business - independent providers of public liability insurance, business finance, landlord insurance, buy-to-let mortgages & commercial mortgages.
Mayor Ken Livingstone is planning to introduce an increased congestion charge of £25 to drivers of high-polluting vehicles.
Coming close on the heels of the low-emission zone toll for commercial vehicles, the new C-Charge fee would potentially affect tradesmen such as plumbers and builders, as well as the wealthy 4x4 owners in London.
Moreover, under the scheme those living within the zone who have vehicles that qualify for the charge will also lose the residential discount that they currently benefit from.
"Nobody needs to damage the environment by driving a gas-guzzling Chelsea tractor in central London," said Mr Livingstone.
"The CO2 emissions from the most high powered 4x4s and sports cars can be up to four times as great as those of the least-polluting cars."
Under the new proposals, the most environmentally-friendly vehicles will become exempt from the congestion charge.