CarlMetro
16th August 2007, 23:27
I know this has been discussed before but I believe there are several new issues to be discussed.
Firstly. Despite the initial reduction of traffic in the original zone in London by approximately 30% it has now been recognised that the actual reduction is less than 8%. The main reason for this is that, despite the area expanding further West, many are choosing to go back to their own cars because reliable and viable alternatives have not been forthcoming.
Secondly and perhaps more importantly, especially with many other major cities (Manchester, Durham, Edinburgh) about to introduce their own congestion charging zones, is the intention of the government to enforce higher levies for the those vehicles which produce the most greenhouse gases. The proposal, which could be in effect by February next year, is for vehicles which produce more than 225kg/Km to pay £25 per day, with no exemption for those who live within the zones. That would mean a bill of £5300 per year.
Now I know there will be those who will say that it is good to get all those 4x4s and big Mercs, BMWs and other gas guzzlers of the road but bear in mind it will also hit Mr Average too. Cars like the VW Sharan, Skoda Superb, VXR Astra and Honda Civic Type R all produce more than 225kg/Km.
There are also those that will say that it serves people right for living/working in London. Well before you say that, just bare in mind that there are plenty of other local authorities about to either introduce their own Congestion Charge zones or implement feasibility studies on whether to introduce them.
Last but by no means least, even hybrid cars, which have been exempt from any charges are about to have a nasty shock too if this change happens because any vehicle which produces more than 120kg/Km will be required to pay the Congestion Charge, so with the exception of the Toyota Prius (104kg/Km) and the Honda Civic Hybrid (109kg/Km) all other vehicles will be required to pay the £8 per day charge.
Firstly. Despite the initial reduction of traffic in the original zone in London by approximately 30% it has now been recognised that the actual reduction is less than 8%. The main reason for this is that, despite the area expanding further West, many are choosing to go back to their own cars because reliable and viable alternatives have not been forthcoming.
Secondly and perhaps more importantly, especially with many other major cities (Manchester, Durham, Edinburgh) about to introduce their own congestion charging zones, is the intention of the government to enforce higher levies for the those vehicles which produce the most greenhouse gases. The proposal, which could be in effect by February next year, is for vehicles which produce more than 225kg/Km to pay £25 per day, with no exemption for those who live within the zones. That would mean a bill of £5300 per year.
Now I know there will be those who will say that it is good to get all those 4x4s and big Mercs, BMWs and other gas guzzlers of the road but bear in mind it will also hit Mr Average too. Cars like the VW Sharan, Skoda Superb, VXR Astra and Honda Civic Type R all produce more than 225kg/Km.
There are also those that will say that it serves people right for living/working in London. Well before you say that, just bare in mind that there are plenty of other local authorities about to either introduce their own Congestion Charge zones or implement feasibility studies on whether to introduce them.
Last but by no means least, even hybrid cars, which have been exempt from any charges are about to have a nasty shock too if this change happens because any vehicle which produces more than 120kg/Km will be required to pay the Congestion Charge, so with the exception of the Toyota Prius (104kg/Km) and the Honda Civic Hybrid (109kg/Km) all other vehicles will be required to pay the £8 per day charge.