London gets new ‘Toxicity Charge’ on cars to tackle pollution

Drivers will have to pay up to £21.50, including the new £10 “Toxicity Charge”, if they wish to drive in a zone in central London as part of new measures aimed at curbing pollution.

Drivers of petrol and diesel cars registered before 2006 will be slapped with an extra £10 charge from Monday if they drive into a zone in central London marked with the letter “C” in a bold move to tackle growing pollution in the British capital.

A cyclist wears a mask in central London on October 23, 2017. The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, officially launched the T-Charge, which will be the toughest vehicle emissions standard of any world city, affecting the oldest and most polluting vehicles. (AP)

The “Toxicity Charge” will be added to the Congestion Charge of £11.50 currently levied on vehicles in the “C” zone from 7am to 6pm on weekdays, bringing the daily total to £21.50.

Up to 34,000 polluting vehicles every month could be liable for the T-Charge, which affects those that do not meet the Euro 4 standards for both PM and NOx emissions, London mayor Sadiq Khan announced.

Official figures said since January 1, polluting vehicles of this vintage made around 2.6 million trips within the zone, contributing to London’s toxic air.

Pre-Euro 4 vehicles are typically those registered before 2006 and are approximately more than 12 years old. Those with cars car registered before 2008 have been asked to check if their vehicle is eligible for the charge.

London mayor Sadiq Khan meets children at a nursery on the day he officially launches the T-Charge, the world's toughest pollution charge. The T-Charge will be the toughest vehicle emissions standard of any world city, affecting the oldest and most polluting vehicles. (AP)

Khan also announced the introduction of the Ultra-Low Emission Zone in London, which will affect thousands more vehicles in the existing congestion zone, including all diesel cars that do not meet Euro 6 standards.

Recent health data has shown 7.9 million Londoners - nearly 95% of the population – live in areas exceeding the World Health Organisation guidelines on toxic air quality particles (known as PM 2.5), the mayor’s office said.

Khan, said: “Today marks a major milestone in this journey with the introduction of the T-Charge to encourage motorists to ditch polluting, harmful vehicles. London now has the world’s toughest emission standard with older more polluting vehicles paying up to £21.50 a day to drive in the centre of the city.

“This is the time to stand up and join the battle to clear the toxic air we are forced to breathe. I am transforming our bus fleet, getting rid of the oldest polluting taxis and creating healthier streets that will leave a lasting legacy for our children.”