Fewer emissions than ever in London?

In a bid to reduce emissions, Transport for London (TfL) has announced plans to remove Green Vehicle Discount (GVD) for certain vehicles.

Under the current laws, thousands of motorists who drive reasonably environmentally friendly cars are exempt from paying the £10 London Congestion Charge.

However, in a bid to reduce emissions further, TfL has announced that it will be much more difficult to get Ultra Low Emissions Discount.

Indeed, it is proposing that only vehicles that emit less than 75 grams per kilometre (g/km) of CO2 should be exempt from the C-Charge.

The proposals have come about after growing concern that the removal of the C-Charge for so many cars has actually increased the levels of air pollution.

TfL fears that, under the current system, too many cars that are classified as low emission diesel cars, but are in fact harmful to the environment, are being encouraged onto the roads.

Under the new laws, only electric cars will be exempt from paying the C-Charge.

However, the proposals have come under criticism from motoring groups.

"We do have real concerns about 'green goalposts’ being moved after drivers and businesses have invested in low-emission hybrid and diesel vehicles. We need to encourage the take-up of a range of greener vehicles," Edmund King, motoring expert from the AA, told the Evening Standard.

It is feared that people have bought so-called 'environmentally friendly' cars in order to be exempt, but the proposed changes would see them forced to pay.

Indeed, huge numbers of popular cars including the Toyota Prius, Lexus CT-200, the diesel Smart car, the Mini, and the Fiat 500 will be affected and forced to pay.