The argument for
A spokesperson for the Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, today responded to the news that Porsche is challenging the new emissions based C-Charge by claiming that it was a "double attack that was attempting to remove the democratic rights of Londoners."One of the main arguments for the new scheme is that the London election in May this year gives people the opportunity to decide if they want Ken Livingstone to remain, and the new scheme with him. The new emissions charge is due to be enforced from this October, so the elections will be the deciding factor in whether the new charge goes ahead.The spokesperson went on to say that "no one is allowed to throw their rubbish in the street and Porsche should not be allowed to impose gas guzzling polluting cars on Londoners who do not want them."
The argument against
Since it announced that it would action a judicial review against the new C-Charge, which will see cars producing over 225g/km of CO2 paying £25 for entry to the capital, Porsche has released further information on the charge's lack of environmental impact.The sports car manufacturer claims that TFL's own figures show that the amount of C02 saved by the scheme in one year is less than the amount emitted from Heathrow every four hours.Andy Goss, Managing Director of Porsche GB, said "not only is this new charge an unfair tax on motorists and families, it is a tax that will do nothing to reduce emissions or congestion in London."Porsche has set up a website, www.porschejudicialreview.co.uk, where there is a petition against the new charge and more information about the basis for legal action. Those wanting to vote in favour of the emissions-based charging scheme will have to wait until the London election in May.
