Ken Livingstone has told the London Assembly that he has asked Transport for London (TfL) to produce proposals to amend the Congestion Charging scheme so that it discourages the use of cars producing high levels of carbon emissions, and encourages drivers to switch to cars with low levels of CO2 emissions.
The changes would involve discounts for cars with low CO2 emissions and substantially higher charges for cars with high levels of CO2 emissions.
Speaking at Mayor's Question Time today (12 July 2006), the Mayor said that he had asked TfL to bring forward plans this September and was hopeful that any new discounts could come into effect from 2008, with subsequent higher new charges for cars producing high levels of CO2 emissions to be delivered within two years of the introduction of the new discounts.
Any changes would affect the existing zone plus the western extension and would, of course, be subject to extensive public and stakeholder consultation.
The Mayor has asked TfL to draw up proposals for rates lower than the current £8 for low-CO2 cars.
Most other cars would continue driving in the zone at the present rate of £8 per day, while those vehicles with very high CO2 emissions - such as those in current Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) band G - which produce over 226g/km of CO2 emissions, could be charged at a higher rate, around £25.
The Mayor said: "The Congestion Charge has been a huge success in reducing traffic levels and supporting the public transport system through the revenue raised and improvement to bus reliability.
"I now want Transport for London to bring forward plans to build on the success of congestion charging to encourage drivers in London to purchase a low emission vehicle.
Cutting emissions
"My aim is to see the cutting of carbon emissions and the protection of our environment at the heart of the scheme.
"There is a growing sense of concern amongst Londoners about climate change caused by CO2 emissions, which is the biggest single problem facing humanity, and tackling this threat requires decisive action. 'Chelsea tractors', many of which are responsible for some of the highest CO2 emissions of any cars on our roads, have to be dealt with.
"I want TfL to look at lower Congestion Charges for cars responsible for lower than average CO2 emissions, broadly the retention of the current rate of £8 for most cars, and much steeper charges of perhaps £25 for the really environmentally damaging cars such as the so-called 'Chelsea tractors'.
"This is a charter for greening our car choices and it will once again put London at the cutting edge of both environmental and transport policy."
