London is one of the most affluent cities in the world. It is a prime hub for the banking and financial sectors and many of the world's wealthiest conduct business in its centre. Generally where there is wealth, there are usually a few Porsche's lurking. Clearly Porsche GB is well aware of this and quite rightly they are concerned over the Mayor of London's recent proposal to up the congestion charge from ?8.00 to ?25.00 a day, a 213% increase.
The hike affects cars that produce in excess of 226g/km of CO2 of emissions on the combined European Drive Cycle (NEDC), these vehicles fall into band G. Residents that live within the Congestion charge zone pay a lower fee of 0.80p, but under the new proposal, if they drive a car that emits over 226g/km, they too will have to pay the ?25.00 a day fee. This represents a phenomenal 3025% rise.
Porsche GB argues that the tax, which is due for implementation in 2009/2010, is unfair and is disproportionate when compared to the limited reduction in CO2. Andy Goss, managing director of Porsche Cars GB says "A massive congestion charge increase is quite simply unjust. Thousands of car owners driving a huge range of cars will be hit by a disproportionate tax which is clear will have a very limited effect on CO2 emissions."
33000 band G vehicles enter the congestion charge zone a day according to the Transport for London figures. If the numbers remained the same when the increase is implemented that would net a grand sum of ?825,000 a day. Under the new proposal, small vehicles that produce less that 120g/km of CO2 will fall into bands A and B and these vehicles would be exempt from any charge. Read on for details of the Judicial Review.