Boris Johnson proposes further levy on polluting motorists

The proposed levy, on top of the existing congestion charge, forms part of London Mayor Boris Johnson’s so-called air quality manifesto, which is due to be launched this evening, July 29, 2014.

Diesel vehicles that meet the Euro 6 emissions standard will be exempt from the charge.

In a speech to be delivered at Mansion House, Johnson is expected to set out how City Hall, the headquarters of the Greater London Authority, will take London two thirds of the way to compliance with EU NO2 limits by 2020.

This will be achieved in part with the introduction of an Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), which aims to encourage ultra low or zero emission driving by 2020.

Additionally, Johnson will call on the government to ‘put air quality at the heart of health, energy and climate change policies’; and ask the European Commission to improve the testing of new engine emission standards, plus create a new fund to help European cities tackle pollution.