Robin Millard

London: On Tuesday announced a stinging new charge on driving gas guzzling vehicles into the centre of the capital, in a bid to cut pollution.

People with the most polluting cars, such as sports utility vehicles and high-powered performance cars, will pay a daily charge of £25 to drive into central London.

Most drivers will continue paying the regular eight-pound charge, a measure introduced by Livingstone five years ago in a move to cut traffic congestion that has been watched closely by other major cities including New York. However, those with the lowest carbon dioxide-emitting vehicles will become exempt under the new plan, Livingstone told reporters.

It is the latest radical scheme targeting London’s traffic pollution and congestion problems. The mayor will introduce the charge on October 27, providing he gets re-elected in May for a third four-year term.

“This initiative will have an impact throughout the world with other cities following suit as they step up their efforts to halt the slide towards catastrophic climate change,” he said.

Livingstone hopes the initiative will raise £50 million per year, which will largely be invested in cycling schemes. The mayor has demonised off-road vehicles, dubbing them “Chelsea tractors” after the plush London district where they are a status symbol.

Source : DNAIndia