London Congestion Charge changes to hit diesel vehicles

Date: 24/4/2013

Changes to London's Congestion Charge system are set to hit diesel vehicles as (TfL) Transport for London introduces stricter rules regarding qualification standards for motorists looking to benefit from the transport body's green discounts.

Under the current scheme, cars that emit 100g/km of CO2 or less and meet the Euro 5 standard for air quality are exempt from the Charge - and this includes a number of low emission diesel vehicles.

But measures set to be introduced from July 1st will see the existing Greener Vehicle Discount abolished in favour of a fresh initiative known as the Ultra Low Emission Discount.

Under the new system, vehicles will have to either be pure electric or emit 75g/km or less of CO2 - as well as continuing to meet European standards for air quality - and TfL expects that no diesel car will meet this criteria.

However, in order to avoid drivers being instantly hit by the sudden changes, TfL has confirmed that diesel drivers currently receiving the Greener Vehicle Discount will be eligible for the scheme until 2016.

Posted by Sarah Bailey

Transport Research News and Vehicle Safety News