Mayor scraps emissions-based Congestion Charge plans
Tue 08 July 2008
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Boris Johnson, the new Mayor of London, has scrapped plans for CO2 emissions-based Congestion Charging in Central London. The decision overturns plans introduced by Johnson's predecessor, Ken Livingstone, to introduce a sliding scale of charges (from zero to £25) based on a car's CO2 performance. The move ends Porsche's legal battle with Transport for London over the proposed £25 charge for 'Band G' vehicles.
The announcement means that there will be no increase in the C-Charge for drivers of Band G vehicles from October 2008 and no decrease for those of cars in Band A and B.
The Mayor said that the move would save money for Transport for London. Porsche have agreed that their legal costs, which it is entitled to be paid by Transport for London, will be donated to a local charity supporting disadvantaged young people.
Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to scrap the £25 charge, which would have hit families and small businesses hardest. I believe the proposal would actually have made congestion worse by allowing thousands of small cars in for free."
Peter Hendy, Commissioner of Transport for London, said: “We will be working with the Mayor to strive to cut CO2 emissions from transport in London by promoting cycling and walking, encouraging people to drive in a more efficient way and by cutting Transport for London’s own CO2 emissions.”
The discount for alternative fuel vehicles will remain in place and the existing Congestion Charge scheme will not be affected by the latest decision.
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