From MSN Cars
£25 congestion charge abolished
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By Richard AucockJuly 10 2008
London Mayor Boris Johnson has scrapped the controversial £25 congestion charge due to come into force in October.
The plan to increase the current £8 charge to £25 for those vehicles emitting more than 225g/km - and allow the least polluting cars to drive in the capital for free - prompted Porsche to launch a legal battle to overturn the move.
Porsche has subsequently won its campaign against the £25 London Congestion Charge. And it's a victory for the environment, too. The shock news came after the Administrative Court in London threw out proposals to increase the charge.
And for all those who will cry that Porsche's victory is a disaster for the environment, consider the case that won over the judge - that the new charge would actually increase CO2 emissions in Greater London. How so? Porsche research proved the new charge would lead to an increase in car mileage.
It was therefore able to deem the new charge unlawful. Said Porsche GB MD Andy Goss: "The charge was clearly unfair and was actually going to increase emissions in London. Porsche is proud to have played a decisive role in striking down such a blatantly political tax increase targeting motorists."
The company has been awarded costs, which are expected to run into six figures. These will be donated to Skidz, a charity which targets at-risk youths and, rather than leaving them to a life of bad stuff, trains them in mechanical skills and maintenance. Monies will fund a new branch in Hillingdon.
Steve Godfrey, Project Director at Skidz, said: "We are hugely grateful for the donation Porsche has made. It will have a huge impact on our work, allowing us to reach young people in London for the first time." Good news all round, then. Unless, as Porsche points out, you're Ken Livingstone...
£25 congestion charge abolished
By Richard AucockJuly 10 2008London Mayor Boris Johnson has scrapped the controversial £25 congestion charge due to come into force in October.
The plan to increase the current £8 charge to £25 for those vehicles emitting more than 225g/km - and allow the least polluting cars to drive in the capital for free - prompted Porsche to launch a legal battle to overturn the move.
Porsche has subsequently won its campaign against the £25 London Congestion Charge. And it's a victory for the environment, too. The shock news came after the Administrative Court in London threw out proposals to increase the charge.
And for all those who will cry that Porsche's victory is a disaster for the environment, consider the case that won over the judge - that the new charge would actually increase CO2 emissions in Greater London. How so? Porsche research proved the new charge would lead to an increase in car mileage.
It was therefore able to deem the new charge unlawful. Said Porsche GB MD Andy Goss: "The charge was clearly unfair and was actually going to increase emissions in London. Porsche is proud to have played a decisive role in striking down such a blatantly political tax increase targeting motorists."
The company has been awarded costs, which are expected to run into six figures. These will be donated to Skidz, a charity which targets at-risk youths and, rather than leaving them to a life of bad stuff, trains them in mechanical skills and maintenance. Monies will fund a new branch in Hillingdon.
Steve Godfrey, Project Director at Skidz, said: "We are hugely grateful for the donation Porsche has made. It will have a huge impact on our work, allowing us to reach young people in London for the first time." Good news all round, then. Unless, as Porsche points out, you're Ken Livingstone...
