Toxin tax for UK diesel drivers

Diesel drivers face daily “toxin taxes” of up to £20 (NZ$35.80) in 35 towns and cities across England.

It’s a new government crackdown on vehicles that cause air pollution — including private cars, The Sunday Times reports.

In “nine or 10” of the worst-affected cities, diesel cars as well as commercial vehicles could face bans from polluted areas in peak hours, daily charges to discourage them from entering town centres, or a mix of the two.

In another 25 towns, commercial diesels such as trucks, coaches and taxis would be the main target.

The measures are due to be unveiled shortly by environment secretary Andrea Leadsom and will oblige councils in every affected area to draw up plans to deal with nitrous oxide and particulate pollution, largely caused by diesels.

London mayor Sadiq Khan will soon announce that from 2019 the most polluting vehicles will be hit with a £12.50 (NZ$22.37) daily charge when entering any part of greater London inside the North Circular and South Circular roads.

That is in addition to the congestion charging scheme under which, from October 23, pre-2006 diesel and petrol vehicles will face a £10 (NZ$17.90) “T-charge” when they enter central London during peak periods — in addition to the basic £10 congestion charge for all vehicles.

Andrea Leadsom’s plan is expected to extend pollution payments to several more cities, including Birmingham, Leeds, Southampton, Nottingham and Derby. These are already planning to impose toxin taxes on older trucks, coaches and taxis from 2019, possibly extended to diesel cars too.

A network of “clean air zones” will see bans or charges on polluting vehicles that enter them, enforced with camera networks.

Punitive taxes on new diesel vehicles are expected to follow in the chancellor’s autumn budget. This will fit with plans to make all new cars and vans “zero emission” — that is, electric — by 2040.

Councils will be encouraged to offer extra measures, such as park-and-ride schemes, low-emission buses and cycle lanes, according to local needs.