Could London’s T-Charge be the end for toxic fumes?

  London’s new Toxicity Charge (T-Charge) is already making a difference to air quality on the streets of the capital. That’s the claim from Mayor Sadiq Khan, who officially launched […]

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London’s new Toxicity Charge (T-Charge) is already making a difference to air quality on the streets of the capital.

That’s the claim from Mayor Sadiq Khan, who officially launched the initiative to slash toxic air pollution this morning.

It will see a £10 fee apply to pre-2006 petrol and diesel vehicles when they drive into the existing Congestion Charge zone, bringing the total fare up to £21.50.

As part of a range of measures making up the scheduled Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ), the charge is expected to halve nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter emissions by 2020.

Mr Khan said: “Since we announced the T-Charge, the amount of the most polluting vehicles coming into the heart of London has fallen by 15% so we’re really seeing a change in behaviour and that’s what the T-Charge is about.

“This is about an investment in our air, it’s not about making a profit.”

He added he had also doubled the funding to improve London’s air by spending money on retrofitting buses, phasing out diesel taxis, investing in walking and cycling infrastructure and clearing up traffic around schools.

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