London rolls out strict vehicle emission charges

Central London [image credit: carmagazine.co.uk]

It’s not clear how vehicles that have passed the mandatory annual ‘MoT’ test, which includes an emissions check, can then be selectively penalised for causing air pollution. London seems to be saying an MoT pass is not good enough, in some cases at least.

London motorists driving older, more polluting vehicles must pay a new charge from Monday as part of one of the world’s toughest vehicle emissions programmes, reports Phys.org.

The ultra-low emission zone (Ulez) charges certain polluting vehicles a £12.50 ($16, 14.5 euros) fee to enter the centre of the British capital under mayor Sadiq Khan’s plans to reduce air pollution.

Anyone driving a diesel car more than around four years old or a petrol car more than around 13 years old will pay the charge, although the vehicle’s declared emissions will be the official measure.

Black cabs are exempt from the charge.

Larger vehicles, such as lorries and coaches, that exceed the limits face a daily charge of £100.

Khan said the Ulez will “help clean our air and reduce harmful road transport emissions”, which “shorten life expectancy and damage lung development.”

A King’s College London and Imperial College London study commissioned by the mayor found that poor air quality leads to about 1,000 London hospital admissions every year.

“As someone who developed adult-onset asthma over the last few years, I know from personal experience that London’s toxic air is damaging people’s health,” Khan said.

“This study is a stark reminder that air pollution disproportionately affects the most vulnerable Londoners and I’m doing everything in my power to protect children, the elderly and those with respiratory conditions from our filthy air.”

The Ulez area will be extended to the whole of inner London from October 2021.

Full report here.