Drivers of high-powered sports cars and 4x4s will be hit by a new £25 charge every time they enter central London under plans to reduce congestion and cut pollution across the capital.
London mayor Ken Livingstone said today that around 30,000 of the worst-polluting vehicles would face a threefold price rise from October, while the most environmentally-friendly cars would be able enter the congestion charging zone free of charge.
"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 said.
"This is the polluter pays principle. At the same time, the 100% discount for the lowest CO2 emitting vehicles will give drivers an incentive to use the least polluting cars available."
Livingstone said the new charge was part of a package of measures, including the introduction of a clean air zone and a £500m investment in walking and cycling, that would help London reduce its CO2 emissions by 60% by 2025
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/feb/12/carbonemissions.congestioncharging