Shake-up for C-charge

By Richard Yarrow

01st June 2010

The loophole that allowed certain 4x4s free entry into the London Congestion Charge zone is about to be closed. New proposals will mean only cars that emit 100g/km of CO2 or less are exempt – ending the free ride for the Lexus RX 450h hybrid and versions of the Jeep Cherokee V8 converted to LPG.

London Mayor Boris Johnson wants to scrap the Alternative Fuel Discount – currently applied to cars running on LPG and natural gas, plus hybrids – in favour of a Greener Vehicle Discount. As all models would be rated on CO2 output, he believes it would boost sales of cleaner cars. Plus, the Electric Vehicle Discount would be extended to plug-in hybrids.

The daily price of the charge for standard users would also go up to £10, after nearly five years at £8. Johnson wants to establish an Auto Pay system to make the scheme easier to use and more convenient for drivers. It would ensure owners of registered vehicles couldn’t be fined for forgetting to pay, with their daily rate set at £9. Users would only be charged for the days they travel within the zone, and would be billed each month.

Other proposals include the removal of the controversial Western Extension in Kensington. The area became part of the Congestion Charge zone in February 2007, but under the plans the levy would be lifted from Christmas Eve. All the other changes to the scheme are due to come into effect on 4 January 2011. Transport for London’s consultation period for the plan closes on 2 August.

Winners:
Renault Clio eco2 dCi
Cleanest Renault emits 98g/km

Toyota iQ
Sub-100g/km from manual 1.0-litre

Ford Fiesta Econetic
TDCi diesel is clean, but costs £15k

Losers:
Lexus RX 450h
Hybrids not automatically exempt

Toyota Prius
Previous model not clean enough

Vauxhall Astra LPG
Gas-fuelled models are big losers