Volvo urges Johnson to review London charge

Boris Johnson has been urged by Volvo to review the criteria for exemption from the London congestion charge.

According to the car maker, the fact that hybrid cars do not have to pay the £8 per day charge is outdated and unfair due to the number of conventionally-powered low-carbon vehicles on the roads that do pay the levy.

Stuart Kerr, Volvo’s regional president for Europe, said in a letter to the mayor that, since this came into force in 2003, carmakers have “risen to the challenge” of reducing tail-pipe carbon emissions.

Volvo recently announced plans for a hybrid that is claims will produce 33g CO₂ per/km.

Top ten green cars – how many pay the London congestion charge?

Of the top ten green cars for 2009, three are hybrid vehicles and thus exempt from the congestion charge. However conventionally-powered cars that produce as little or less CO₂ still have to pay.

A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “The inconsistencies of the London road-user charging scheme stem from an identity crisis; at present it knows not whether it is a congestion charge or a tax on emissions.”

What is the ETA?

The ETA provides cyclists and motorists with green breakdown cover and insurance and campaigns for sustainable transport.