Old, polluting vehicles in London are now subject to a tough ‘toxicity charge’
As many as 34,000 vehicles per month are liable for the T-Charge in the British capital
By Anmar Frangoul
A toxicity charge aimed at discouraging the use of polluting vehicles in central London has come into force.
As of Monday morning, drivers of “older, more polluting petrol and the dirtiest diesel vehicles” will have to pay a £10 (US$13.18) “T-Charge” on top of the long-standing £11.50 Congestion Charge.
Authorities said that as many as 34,000 vehicles per month are liable for the T-Charge, which will be applicable on weekdays between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.
The charge will apply to vehicles that do not meet ‘Euro 4’ standards for particulate matter and nitrogen oxide emissions. Authorities said that ‘pre-Euro 4’ vehicles were usually those registered before 2006 and more than 12 years old. Transport for London is also advising motorists with cars registered before 2008 to check if their vehicle is liable for the charge via a free, online checker.
The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said he was determined to take urgent action to help clean up London’s “lethal air.”