New congestion zone charges 'could cause CO2 increase'
Date: 15/02/2008 11:29:52
The new emissions-based congestion charge that Transport for London is introducing in the capital could have a negative effect on the environment, according to a green motoring website.
Clean Green Cars has suggested that due to the wide range of cars available and coming on to the market that produce less CO2 than the 120g/km threshold for congestion charge-free driving, more driving in the capital will ensue.
"The 120g/km threshold is too easy for many manufacturers to achieve - we need a tougher target that speeds the arrival of ultra-low emission models," said Richard Bremner, editor of Clean Green Cars.
The website has also pointed out that cars ranging from the Audi A3 105TDi to the new Mini will be exempt from the congestion charge and that as many as ten per cent of cars could be under the threshold for CO2 emissions by the end of the year.
With car insurance holders among those looking for greener ways to drive, Mr Bremner has suggested that the new rules provide "little incentive".
The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association this week branded the plans as "futile".