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London Punishes Gas Guzzlers

Biggest offenders will pay $50 a day to enter city

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 12, 2008 5:10 PM CST
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(Newser) – 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.

A vehicle enters the congestion charge zone in London, Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2008. London Mayor Ken Livingstone has announced that the highest polluting vehicles will pay a daily charge of 25 pounds about $50) to enter the zone. The new charges come into force in October. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
A vehicle enters the congestion charge zone in London, Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2008. London Mayor Ken Livingstone has announced that the highest polluting vehicles will pay a daily charge of 25 pounds about...   (Associated Press)
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, right, listens to London Mayor Ken Livingstone as they travel on a hybrid double-decker bus on their way to City Hall, London, Monday, Oct. 1, 2007. (AP Photo/Sang Tan, Pool)
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, right, listens to London Mayor Ken Livingstone as they travel on a hybrid double-decker bus on their way to City Hall, London, Monday, Oct. 1, 2007. (AP Photo/Sang...   (Associated Press)
Mayor of London Ken Livingstone is pictured in this undated file photo.
Mayor of London Ken Livingstone is pictured in this undated file photo.   (Getty Images)
A 4x4 vehicle sits parked in a 'resident permit holders only' parking space in central London on October 25, 2006, in London, England. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
A 4x4 vehicle sits parked in a 'resident permit holders only' parking space in central London on October 25, 2006, in London, England. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)   (Getty Images)
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The green charge goes into effect Oct. 27
AFP

Mayor plans to have bike-for-rent stands on London street corners
Independent (UK)

World • Money • Science

 
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