Boris Johnson backtracks over pollution charge

Tuesday, 8th July 2008 by Rebecca Burn-Callander

Plans to levy a £25 tax on gas guzzlers were scrapped today. The Mayor is “delighted”, despite having to pay £400,000 in legal fees to the plaintiff, Porsche.

When Ken Livingstone announced the £25 daily levy on high-pollution vehicles entering the capital earlier this year, there was uproar from the Chelsea tractor brigade.

Porsche was first to legally contest the ruling. Today, Johnson withdrew the proposal and a court ruled that Transport for London must pay the luxury car manufacturer’s court fees.

By Transport for London, we mean (incidentally) “the taxpayer”.

To read the pro-pollution charge side, try The Guardian.
For an unbiased view, try The Times.

Picture source