London's Congestion Charge May Increase For Heavy Polluters

17 November 2006 - 6:00am

A proposal has been made to increase the charge levied on highly polluting cars traveling into London's central congestion zone. The 8-pound fee could rise to 25 pounds for some drivers.

"Against widespread opposition, Mayor Ken Livingstone introduced the central congestion zone in 2003 and backed the zone's westward extension, due to start next year."

"At present drivers entering the congestion zone between 6:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. weekdays must pay the 8 pounds a day or face a penalty of 50 pounds."

If the proposal is approved, drivers operating cars that produce more than 225 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer would be charged 25 pounds to enter the central congestion zone. Those cars producing under 120 grams would travel for free. All others would be charged the 8-pound fee.

"Livingstone has said although only 1 in 20 Londoners drive the most polluting cars, about 1 in 5 cars in the central congestion zone were of this type."

Source: Planet Ark, November 15, 2006
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There are limits to the amount of pollution the environment can absorb without reducing ecosystem services and impairing both human health and the sustainability of our economy.