'Double C-charge for drivers of off-roaders'

Drivers of 4x4s should pay double the London congestion charge because of the environmental damage their vehicles cause, a report says today.

Vehicles which allegedly emit high levels of pollution, take up more room on the road and pose the greatest threat to pedestrians are named in the report by the Liberal Democrats on the London Assembly.

The list of 68 sports utility vehicles (SUVs) ranges from Porsches and Range Rovers to Suzuki Jimnys and Toyota RAV4s.

The report claims that 4x4s produce up to four times more carbon dioxide than cars, doing about 12 miles to the gallon in city traffic. It also quotes US research showing that while an average 4.5 per cent of pedestrians struck by cars died, the number killed among those hit by small 4x4s was 7.8 per cent, and 11.5 per cent for large off-roaders.

Lib-Dem transport spokesman Geoff Pope said the double congestion charge should be levied on the vehicles immediately. They could be singled out by the charge cameras that already scan registration plates.

Mr Pope said: "SUVs are great in rural areas but in city centres they are a danger to pedestrians, a potential hazard to other road users and can cause more damage than any other type of car and take up more road space, so increasing congestion.

"The one-size-fits-all congestion charge is both outdated and flawed. It is time the Mayor considered new, innovative ways of making sure central London's roads work better." The Lib-Dems' report contradicts a study by Autocar magazine published last week.

That said the arguments against 4x4s were "woefully skewed" and in fact the vehicles often occupied less road space than typical family cars.

It also refuted the American research, saying it was based on US cars built on truck chassis which bore no relation to the smaller 4x4s sold in the UK. European crash tests had found top-selling 4x4s to be no more dangerous to pedestrians than popular hatchbacks.

Autocar's Steve Cropley said: "Many 4x4s perform a wide range of roles, including carrying large families. Why should they [owners] pay more if they sometimes have to come into town?"

The congestion charge rises from ?5 to ?8 on 4 July.