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4x4 drivers face huge charge rise 4x4 drivers face huge charge rise
(30 minutes later)
Vehicles causing the most pollution in central London are to face huge increases in the congestion charge, mayor Ken Livingstone has announced.Vehicles causing the most pollution in central London are to face huge increases in the congestion charge, mayor Ken Livingstone has announced.
The daily charge for vehicles in carbon emissions band G - which includes 4x4s - is to rise from £8 to £25 from 2009.The daily charge for vehicles in carbon emissions band G - which includes 4x4s - is to rise from £8 to £25 from 2009.
In 2008, the charge will be removed for cars in Bands A and B which produce the lowest emissions, Mr Livingstone said.In 2008, the charge will be removed for cars in Bands A and B which produce the lowest emissions, Mr Livingstone said.
The congestion charge scheme has been running since February 2003. The tax rose from £5 to £8 a day in July.The congestion charge scheme has been running since February 2003. The tax rose from £5 to £8 a day in July.
EMISSION CHARGES Cars in vehicle excise bands A and B - freeBands C, D, E and F - £8Band G - £25 HIGH EMISSION CHARGES Cars in band G include the Jaguar X-type 2.0 saloon, Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe 3.6 and BMW X5 4.8 litreThey emit more than 225g of CO2 per kilometreWill be charged £25 for entering the congestion charge zone
Most cars, in band C, D and E will be unaffected and will continue to pay the £8 rate.
Mr Livingstone also announced that a 90% residents' discount given to people living within the congestion charging zone will be withdrawn for vehicles in band G.Mr Livingstone also announced that a 90% residents' discount given to people living within the congestion charging zone will be withdrawn for vehicles in band G.
"Most vehicles that will be charged £25, in vehicle excise duty band G, are high priced models," the mayor said. "Most vehicles that will be charged £25, in vehicle excise duty band G, are high-priced models," the mayor said.
LOW EMISSION CHARGES Car bands A and B include the Honda Insight petrol-electric hybrid, Smart diesel and Toyota Prius 1.5 litre petrol-electric hybrid They emit less than 120g CO2 per kilometre Will be free to enter the congestion charge zone
"Those who buy them can afford to choose from pretty much the whole of the mainstream car market but have chosen to buy one of the most polluting vehicles."Those who buy them can afford to choose from pretty much the whole of the mainstream car market but have chosen to buy one of the most polluting vehicles.
"By making these changes to the congestion charging scheme we are encouraging people to take into account the impact of their choice of new car on the environment and the planet.""By making these changes to the congestion charging scheme we are encouraging people to take into account the impact of their choice of new car on the environment and the planet."
The mayor said he was also asking Transport for London (TfL) to see if the £25 charge for band G cars could be introduced before 2009. Although the £25 charge is to start in 2009, the mayor has asked Transport for London (TfL) to examine the possibilities of it being introduced before then.