Lib-Dems plan £20 Congestion charge to tackle capital’s poor air quality

Motorists could pay £20 to enter the congestion charge zone in rush hour under Liberal Democrat plans to tackle London’s poor air quality.

The standard rate at quieter times would go up from £11.50 to £14 under a “smart” charging system, and there could be mini congestion “hot spots” within the zone with higher charges.

The report by Lib-Dem mayoral candidate Caroline Pidgeon also recommended a £2.50 surcharge on high-polluting diesel vehicles.

This would bring forward plans for a 24-hour ultra low emissions zone within the same charging area in 2020.

Evening Standard reported yesterday that millions of Londoners now back variable charging.

The ComRes survey, commissioned by business group London First, found nearly two thirds of adults in the capital believe road congestion has got worse in the last two years, and 37 per cent back variable road charging provided the money is ploughed back into the capital’s transport network.