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London Punishes Gas Guzzlers
Biggest offenders will pay $50 a day to enter city
By Nick McMaster
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Posted Feb 12, 08 5:10 PM CST
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(Newser)
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London will charge the biggest gas guzzlers on the road $50 a day to enter the city, the Times of London reports. The greenest cars, meanwhile, will pay nothing. Mayor Ken Livingstone revised his car-congestion charge to punish SUVs and sports cars by tripling the cost for them, beginning in the fall. Most cars will continue to pay $16 a day, but hybrids and others that meet strict emissions guidelines get in free.
“Nobody needs to damage the environment by driving a gas-guzzling Chelsea tractor in central London,” said Livingstone, referring to SUVs. “The CO2 charge will encourage people to switch to cleaner vehicles or public transport and ensure that those who choose to carry on driving the most polluting vehicles help pay for the environmental damage they cause.” The city says most of the revenue will be spent on biking and walking initiatives.