13 Feb 2008

Today the Mayor of London has confirmed changes to London Congestion charging, in a bid to try and reduce the amount of high emission vehicles entering the centre of the Capital.

 

The new rules are essentially unchanged from those originally proposed last year; the findings of a research study commissioned by Transport for London itself suggested the annual CO2 reduction resulting from the changes likely to be no more than 1200-1800 tonnes - a negligible amount. That same research, carried out by AEA, also suggested that there may even be an eventual increase in CO2 emissions brought about by increased usage of cars gaining exemption from the charge, of which there are increasing numbers. See www.cleangreencars.co.uk

From 27th October 2008 a number of significant changes will be made to the current standard charge of £8 per day.

Key changes include:

 

• Cars that produce 120g/km or less CO2 and meet the Euro 4standard for emissions will be exempt from congestion charging.

 

There will also be the introduction of a £25 charge for any vehicle and certain pickups which produce high levels of emissions, such as;

 

• Cars registered after March 1st 2001 that produce more than 225g/km
• Cars registered before March 1st 2001 with an engine size greater than 3,000cc
• Pickups with two rows of seats (extended-cab dual-purpose pickups) with CO2 emissions of greater than 225g/km or with engines greater than 3,000cc in size

 

It will also see the following changes for residents and workers who currently qualify for discounted charges;

 

• The removal of the 90 per cent Residents' Discount from the Congestion Charge for residents who continue to drive cars liable for the CO2 charge
• The closure of the 100 per cent Alternative Fuel Discount (AFD) to new registrations, and the phasing out of the AFD by January 2010
• A change to the NHS reimbursement scheme. We will only reimburse patients travelling in those cars that are liable for the higher charge a maximum of £8, not the full £25
• The introduction of the Euro V incentive - a time-limited reduced Congestion Charge of £6 for lorries and heavier vans that meet the Euro V standard for air pollution emissions

 

Vehicles which fall outside any of these categories will still be required to pay the standard £8 charge for entering the Congestion Zone. The boundary of the Congestion Zone and times at which it applies are to remain the same.

More information can be found at TFL Congestion Charging.

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