Drivers of vehicles that produce the most pollution may be charged up to £21.50 each day they drive in London, according to new proposals to keep pollution levels in the capital down.
The £10 toxicity T-charge couples with the £11.50 congestion charge that is set to apply to diesel and petrol vehicles registered before 2006 and do not comply with Euro 4 regulations on vehicle emissions.
Some vehicles registered before 2008 may require checks to see if drivers are liable for the charge. London Mayor, Mr Sadiq Khan, launched the T-charge to tackle air pollution levels in central London in preparation for his plans for the ultra-low emission zone to be introduced in April 2019.
Combating “London’s lethal air”
Sadiq’s emissions measures are intended to “clean up London’s lethal air” as studies reveal that excessive vehicle pollution is killing thousands and shortening the lives of everyone who breathes the toxic air. The question on many lips is: “Should the drivers be made to pay for it?” What about manufacturers who make these vehicles and lie about how much pollution it produces?
Environmentalists like Jenny Bates, campaigner for Friends of the Earth, agree with Sadiq’s new measures, noting that he is:
“…right to try to dissuade drivers bringing the oldest, dirtiest vehicles into central London.”
Other cities to follow suit
Other cities are considering taking similar steps to reduce air pollution in their built-up areas as well. Oxford City Council wants to ban petrol and diesel cars by 2020; giving owners just three years to switch cars or face penalties.
The Government has already announced plans to ban all sales of petrol and diesel cars by 2040. Compared to Oxford’s three-year deadline, the 23 years timer is still a shock to many drivers who recognise the financial impact it may have on their cars.
Leeds, Birmingham and Southampton are also considering introducing congestion charges from 2019.
Uncertainty in the industry
The new policies being brought in by the government and individual cities are creating a lot of uncertainty for drivers. The potential lack of clarity is being partially blamed for a reported slump in purchases of new cars.
Director of Motoring Services at AA cars, Simon Benson, is concerned over reported dwindling consumer confidence:
“2040 might be a long way in the future, but the ban on sales of petrols and diesels helps to add to the picture that the days of emitting vehicles are numbered.”
Decisions prompted by the VW scandal?
The decision to introduce these charges and bans on high-pollution vehicles were reportedly prompted by the Volkswagen scandal, whereby 1.2 million vehicles in the U.K. were revealed to be emitting far more levels of NOx pollution than they ought to have been. Whilst the major corporation has paid out billions in compensating U.S. consumers and authorities, Volkswagen has turned its back on U.K. customers.
Here, drivers are left in the dark with vehicles that have potentially depreciated in value and contribute to the excessive air pollution that is causing early deaths and illness to countless people around the world.
Our leading lawyers are fighting on behalf of thousands of VW scandal victims. Join our group action against Volkswagen today!
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