Congestion charge axe 'could break air quality laws'

Environmental groups have spoken out about the recent proposals to scrap the extension of London's congestion charge, saying that it could lead to the breaking of European air quality laws.

Yesterday (August 2nd), mayor Boris Johnson announced the plans to axe the extension of the congestion initiative in west London.

This move came up against heavy criticism from environmental campaigners who stated that doing so would increase the level of dangerous airborne particles and oxides or nitrogen.

Simon Birkett, founder of the Campaign for Clean Air in London, said: "With huge air quality problems, London needs to be moving forwards not backwards."

Transport for London admitted that emissions of carbon dioxide would increase in the area by five per cent if the scheme was scrapped.

The capital already faces problems of meeting air quality regulations after the European Commission issued the city with a final warning last month.

It said that the government would be ordered to pay £300 million if it continued to breach air quality laws.

Posted by Claire Manning