Car makers join attack on emissions C-charge

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The reconfigured system would charge owners of gas-guzzlers £25 a day to drive into central London, but the least-polluting cars would not pay anything. It will cost £6 million to set up and £2.5 million a year to run.

However, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders calculates it will only cut carbon dioxide emissions by 0.084 per cent.

It made the claim in its response to Transport for London's consultation on the proposals.

The society said the motor industry was working successfully to cut car emissions, and asked for the plan to be delayed.

Christopher Macgowan, its chief executive, said: "TfL must be absolutely clear about the scheme's aims. Its execution must deliver the greatest benefit in terms of congestion and CO2 reduction and the charges to drivers must be proportionate."

The society's figure is calculated from TfL data.

It claims the scheme would save up to 8,100 tonnes of CO2 a year, compared with transport emissions in London of 9.7 million tonnes, a percentage of 0.084.

London Councils, which represents local authorities in the capital, has already objected to the plan, saying it would do nothing to reduce congestion.

London First, which represents 300 of the capital's major firms, said a reduced levy rather than an exemption should be offered to drivers of low-polluting vehicles.

If the new charging system is approved, it would start in February. Mayor Ken Livingstone says it "leads the way in the fight against catastrophic climate change".