London to introduce £10 vehicle pollution charge from October

Drivers of older and more polluting diesel and petrol cars will pay £21.50 to drive through central London's congestion charge zone from October 23, Mayor Sadiq Khan said on Friday.

Unveiling his new “Toxicity” or “T-charge”, Khan said the new levy would apply during congestion fee hours of 7am-6pm Monday to Friday.

“It’s staggering that we live in a city where the air is so toxic that many of our children are growing up with lung problems. If we don’t make drastic changes now we won’t be protecting the health of our families in the future,” he said.

“That is why today, on the 14th anniversary of the start of the congestion charge, I’ve confirmed we are pressing ahead with the toughest emission standard of any major city, coming to our streets from 23 October.”

The levy is expected to affect up to 10,000 vehicles each weekday which would pour £2m a month into city coffers.

It will apply to motorists who own vehicles that do not meet Euro 4 standards – those diesel and petrol vehicles registered before 2006.

Drivers will be able to use a free online checker via the Transport for London website to see if they are liable for the extra charge.