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4x4 drivers face huge charge rise 4x4 drivers face huge charge rise
(20 minutes later)
Vehicles causing the most pollution in central London are to face huge increases in the congestion charge, Mayor Ken Livingstone has announced. Vehicles causing the most pollution in central London are to face huge increases in the congestion charge, mayor Ken Livingstone has announced.
The daily charge for vehicles in carbon emissions band G - which includes 4x4s - is to rise from £8 to £25 from 2009.The daily charge for vehicles in carbon emissions band G - which includes 4x4s - is to rise from £8 to £25 from 2009.
In 2008 the charge will be removed for cars in Bands A and B which produce the lowest emissions, Mr Livingstone said. In 2008, the charge will be removed for cars in Bands A and B which produce the lowest emissions, Mr Livingstone said.
The congestion charge scheme has been running since February 2003. The tax rose from £5 to £8 a day in July.The congestion charge scheme has been running since February 2003. The tax rose from £5 to £8 a day in July.
EMISSION CHARGES Cars in vehicle excise bands A and B - freeBands C, D, E and F - £8Band G - £25
Mr Livingstone also announced that a 90% residents' discount given to people living within the congestion charging zone will be withdrawn for vehicles in band G.
"Most vehicles that will be charged £25, in vehicle excise duty band G, are high priced models," the mayor said.
"Those who buy them can afford to choose from pretty much the whole of the mainstream car market but have chosen to buy one of the most polluting vehicles.
"By making these changes to the congestion charging scheme we are encouraging people to take into account the impact of their choice of new car on the environment and the planet."
The mayor said he was also asking Transport for London (TfL) to see if the £25 charge for band G cars could be introduced before 2009.