Volvo Takes on London Congestion Charge Green Car Waiver

Enviro-News recently reported on the What Car? Greenest Car of the Year Award, which was won by the Volvo S40.  As a result of this, Volvo the manufacturer recently contacted us via award-winning media agency Mindshare to advice of a new development in terms of environmental car technology and the London Congestion Charge.

Volvo Car UK has effectively issued Boris Johnson – the current Mayor of London – with a challenge to review how the London Congestion Charge is applied to different types of cars. 

London’s Congestion Charge

London’s Congestion Charge was incepted in 2003 and still remains among the world’s most comprehensively-levied motoring fees.  Green, alternative fuel vehicles are not presently covered by the charge, and it is this that lies at the root of Volvo Car UK’s complaint.  It highlights how, while this is the case for hybrid cars, low-emission cars whose output of CO2 and other greenhouse gases can sometimes beat those of hybrid cars are penalised.  The current daily fee is £8.00, and has been since July 2005.

On this basis, says Volvo Car UK, drivers of traditional low-powered cars could be paying out in excess of £2,000 per annum needlessly.

CO2 Emission Figures

According to Volvo Car UK’s press release, the CO2 emission figures associated with hybrid vehicles fall between a range of 89 grams per kilometre (g/km) and 219 g/km. 

By way of contrast, its own S40 1.6D DRIVe (the same vehicle that won the What Car? Award) emits a mere 104 grams of carbon for every kilometre driven, and the same is true for other cars it produces.

Electric Cars for London

The London Mayor recently announced a plan involving 100,000 electric cars for London.  He confirmed, at that time, that the non-application of the London Congestion Car onto alternative fuel vehicles would continue. 

Volvo Car UK reports that What Car? is supportive of its attempts to get the London Congestion Charge reviewed.

As well as the letter, Volvo Car UK has also set up a dedicated page on popular website Facebook, as well as an account on Twitter, through which the campaign’s latest updates will be provided.

Volvo S40 DRIVe image copyright of Volvo Car Corporation