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Car makers could go to court over Mayor's £25 C-charge
David Williams, Motoring Editor15 Feb 2008
Leading car makers are considering a legal challenge to proposed changes to the congestion charge.
They believe that plans to hit drivers of bigger-engined cars with a £25-a-day toll will seriously damage business. It could particularly harm prestige car dealers based inside the charging zone.
Sports car manufacturer Porsche said today it had not ruled out legal action.
A spokesman for the firm, whose UK headquarters are in Reading, said it was studying Transport for London's 230-page report to Mayor Ken Livingstone on the proposals before making a decision.
Other leading makers are understood to be considering a legal challenge, possibly asking for a judicial review before the scheme is introduced in October.
Today, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said: "We would be surprised if car manufacturers were not studying the Mayor's new congestion charge scheme in detail and considering all their options to safeguard their business."
Andrew Davis, a spokesman for Porsche, said TfL had agreed to one meeting but snubbed attempts at further talks in the run-up to Mr Livingstone's announcement.
Last year, the firm sold 8,500 vehicles in Britain, many with engines in bandG, which will attract the £25-a-day charge.
"It is an additional tax on families and cars in London," said Mr Davis. Asked if Porsche was considering legal action, he said: "We would not rule out any possibilities."
Land Rover managing director Phil Popham said: "We have real concerns about the proposals, which we believe have immediate costs for our business but doubtful benefits from an environmental perspective."
TfL said it was aware of manufacturers' concerns and the Mayor had considered these before proceeding with the scheme.
The £25 charge, compared with £8 at present, will be imposed on cars with CO2 emissions of 226 grams per kilometre or above in a bid to reduce pollution.
Reader views (3)
Marc, buses carry between 50 and 150 passengers. BMWs don't!
- Bryan, London, 19/02/2008 10:11
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"but doubtful benefits from an environmental perspective."
Interesting, Ken sold us the C charge to cut down on congestion, now it seems to have evolved into a "congestion/pollution charge".
Seems to me Ken finds another use for the C charge every time he wants to generate more money or simply penalize a particular group of motorists.
Latest statistics prove that the average speed in London has fallen -so it doesn't seem to work very well anyway.
- Dave, london, 15/02/2008 12:35
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"will be imposed on cars with CO2 emissions of 226 grams per kilometre or above in a bid to reduce pollution"
but not on buses which chuck far more than band g cars.
- Marc, Harrow, Uk, 15/02/2008 12:34
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