Congestion charge change causes air quality concerns

The change in the congestion charge rules could cause concerns about the air quality in the capital.

Yesterday (January 4th 2011), the western extension of the congestion charging zone was reduced so that people driving through Kensington and Chelsea will not be made to pay the fee.

The decision to make the changes were announced in October 2010 by London mayor Boris Johnson and are likely to worry environmentalists who are concerned about the air quality in London, as it could encourage more cars to travel through the area.

However, Mr Johnson also raised the daily bill for all those driving through the remaining charge zone to £10, which could deter some from using their vehicles through central London entirely.

Vehicle owners who want to avoid paying the fee could be tempted to buy one of two Citroen models - the DS3 DStyle 99g or the C3 Airdream+ - which allows them to enter the congestion charge zone for free, as they comply with the Euro 5 standard for air quality.

Posted by Claire Manning