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London Mayor drafts ‘pay per mile’ scheme for London

New plans could see petrol and diesel car drivers hit even harder

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Sadiq Khan has released plans to create a new ‘pay per mile’ scheme to help reduce car use in central London.

Included as part of the Mayor of London’s draft Transport Strategy, it would see petrol and diesel owners paying more than the £24 ultra-low emissions charge due to be introduced in the spring of 2019.

It was also announced that Transport for London would be working with local boroughs to help install more widespread local electric car charging points, as well as workplace parking schemes to help reduce traffic.

Khan said: “It has been an incredibly difficult few weeks for London, but we must carry on as a city and that means pushing forward our work to keep Londoners moving around our city. As London’s population is set to increase beyond 10 million, our future health and prosperity is more and more dependent on us reducing our reliance on cars.

“We have to make not using your car the affordable, safest and most convenient option for Londoners going about their daily lives. This is not only essential for dealing with congestion as London grows, but crucial for reducing our toxic air pollution and improving the health of all Londoners.”

The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association was pleased with the outlined plans, with chief executive Gerry Keaney saying: “We support the Mayor’s focus on improving air quality, but people must be given practical and affordable alternatives if we are to deliver on his vision of reduced car use and zero-emission streets.”

The Mayor is looking to increase the number of people walking, cycling and using public transport to 80 per cent of journeys by 2041 – a rise on the 64 per cent today. This would mean three million fewer car trips in London each day.

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