Cleanest cars may be exempt from congestion charge

The least-polluting petrol and diesel-powered cars may become exempt from the London congestion charge following a review of the scheme.

Drivers pay £8 a day to enter the C-charge zone, but drivers of electric and hybrid cars are exempt on environmental grounds. However, the drivers of an estimated 14,000 petrol and diesel cars currently pay the charge and yet are driving vehicles that produce less emissions than hybrids.

No changes will be made to the C-charge system until spring 2010 at the earliest.

Congestion charge review

The decision over whether to allow more vehicles to exempt from the charge is part of a wider review of the way the charge works that may make its aims clearer.

London Mayor, Boris Johnson may make the cost of entering the congestion charging zone during peak hours higher than at other times of the day.

Top ten green cars – how many pay the London congestion charge?

Of the top ten green cars for 2009, three are hybrid vehicles and thus exempt from the congestion charge. However conventionally-powered cars that produce as little or less CO₂ still have to pay.

A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “The inconsistencies of the London road-user charging scheme stem from an identity crisis; at present it not clear whether it is a congestion charge or a tax on emissions.”

What is the ETA?

The ETA provides cyclists and motorists with green breakdown cover and insurance and campaigns for sustainable transport.