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Emissions-based congestion charge for London

The Mayor of London is changing the way the Congestion Charge will apply with a £25 charge from 27 October.
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12 February 2008

Ken Livingstone, the Mayor of London, is introducing new CO2 based charges to enter London’s congestion zone.

The new emissions-based Congestion Charge commences on 27 October, 2008.

It will mean that drivers of cars with CO2 emissions in excess of 225g/km will be charged £25 to enter the congestion zone. Double-cab pick-ups will also be hit with the charge.

However, cars with emissions below 120g/km – the same figure as the new low-emission 10% company car tax break (see Company car tax changes) – will receive a 100% exemption from the charge.

For cars with emissions between 120g/km and 225g/km the current £8 entry fee will apply.

The new CO2 Congestion Charge, says Transport for London, is designed to:

  • Encourage drivers within the charging zone to travel in vehicles which produce lower levels of carbon dioxide (CO2)
  • Discourage the use of vehicles with high CO2 emissions

The boundary of the Congestion Charging zone, and charging hours of 0700-1800 Monday to Fridays, remain the same.

The new emission rules will also rule out certain hybrid vehicles that qualified for the Alternative Fuel Discount (AFD). The 100% discount, affecting higher-emission hybrids such as the Lexus 400h, will be phased out by January 2010.

However, low-emission hybrid vehicles, such as the Honda Civic Hybrid and Toyota Prius, qualify for full exemption as their emissions are below 120g/km.

“What we’ve seen here is a shift from a charge based on a car’s technology to an emissions-based approach,” commented Graham Avent, manager – corporate sales, Honda.

“But it’s no change for Honda. The Civic Hybrid can still enter the zone for free. And although many people view the Congestion Charge as a tax on 4x4s, the CR-V avoids paying £25 a day – as it’s one of the cleanest cars in its class.”

Key points of the new London Congestion Charge

  • 100% discount for cars producing less than 120g/km CO2
  • £10 registration payable to qualify for 100% discount
  • £25 charge for cars and double cabs with CO2 above 225g/km
  • £8 charge for cars with emissions between 120g/km-225g/km
  • Photo (c) Transport for London 2005

Further information

Charge rises to £25 for ‘dirty’ cars and pick-ups

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Ralph Morton

Ralph Morton

Ralph Morton is an award-winning journalist and the founder of Business Car Manager (now renamed Business Motoring). Ralph writes extensively about the car and van leasing industry as well as wider fleet and company car issues. A former editor of What Car?, Ralph is a vastly experienced writer and editor and has been writing about the automotive sector for over 35 years.

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