20 November 2012 Last updated at 12:10 ET

Congestion charge greener vehicles rule change planned

TfL proposes to abolish the Greener Vehicle Discount

More than 19,000 motorists who avoid London's congestion charge because they drive greener vehicles have been warned they may have to pay in future.

Transport for London (TfL) has proposed abolishing the Greener Vehicle Discount which applies to cars with emissions of less than 100g per km of CO2.

Motorists currently eligible for the discount will be granted a two-year "sunset period" before they are made to pay the full congestion charge.

Proposals are subject to consultation.

'More efficient'

Analysis Tom Edwards Transport correspondent, London

---

The congestion charge has to deter driving to some extent to keep congestion down and so has to keep up with the changing motoring landscape.

So as the manufacturers improve engine technology and embrace cleaner technology more cars become exempt.

That means more small cars like the Fiat 500 - which enjoyed the exemption - have come into town for free. That means congestion increases.

So the mayor has tightened the restrictions again. That will leave some very annoyed small car owners even though they have a two-year "sunset period".

And by tightening the C02 restrictions, no diesel model cars on the market will be exempt.

• Read more from Tom

The congestion charge for cars entering the central London zone currently stands at £10 - or £9 for drivers who are registered to pay via an automated payment service.

Under the plans, the penalty for not paying the charge will also rise from £120 to £130.

TfL said from July 2013 electric vehicles and cars that comply with much tighter emissions standards would receive an Ultra Low Emission Discount, earning free entry into the congestion charge zone.

After 2015, the the current Greener Vehicle Discount would be scrapped.

Nick Fairholme, TfL's director for congestion charging, said: "We are really keen to hear what Londoners and motorists have to say about the proposed changes to the congestion charging scheme.

"The proposed changes will make the scheme greener and more efficient."

Green Party Londom Assembly Member Jenny Jones said it was an overdue but welcome first step.

She said: "The Mayor should use this opportunity to set up a very low emission zone, starting with a £25 charge for the most polluting diesel cars."

The 12-week public consultation closes on 8 February 2013.