Diesels face £10 charge for driving into central London

[v40alex]

Did anyone notice that the charge is going to apply to petrol engines made before 2006 as well?

Telegraph 29/7/14
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/...iesel-car.html
Hence the latest proposal, which could come into force as early as 2020 and mean that diesel drivers would pay a minimum of £20 to enter the congestion charging zone. Petrol cars built before 2006 will also have to pay the additional charge, although more recent, Euro 6-compliant diesels with much lower NOx emissions will pay the standard rate.

[GMcL]

Originally Posted by v40alex

Did anyone notice that the charge is going to apply to petrol engines made before 2006 as well?

Telegraph 29/7/14
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/...iesel-car.html
Hence the latest proposal, which could come into force as early as 2020 and mean that diesel drivers would pay a minimum of £20 to enter the congestion charging zone. Petrol cars built before 2006 will also have to pay the additional charge, although more recent, Euro 6-compliant diesels with much lower NOx emissions will pay the standard rate.

This is where the wheels start to fall off the argument for introducing such a tax.
Euro IV came in for petrol cars in January 2005, therefore it is possible you could have a 55 plate petrol car which has exactly the same emissions as an 06 car, one car has an additional tax and the other not. Why?

Also, why was the date of 23 March 2006 or whatever it was used as the cut over date. Why not the 1st March 2006 then everyone would know 06 onwards had different VED rules to vehicles registered 28 Feb. 2006 and earlier?

What has not been mentioned is the increase in Particulate Matter (PM) from petrol cars for Euro V & VI with GDi engines. The PM for both emissions classes in petrol is now the same as diesel.
Wasn't the PM emissions the reason for the introduction of the DPF?
Why are petrol engines being allowed to emit these particles if they are so bad?

[v40alex]

Originally Posted by GMcL

Why are petrol engines being allowed to emit these particles if they are so bad?

Whatever made you think these decisions were based on thoroughly researched, scientific fact?

[GMcL]

I think if I were a motorist having to travel into London every day and the prospect of this additional cost, I'd be asking in this day and age where city pollution is being monitored and fines applied if it is wise to have 5 international airports on the door step.

I can't think of another city in Europe which has 5. Is it possible they could be contributing to the pollution?