How toxic are you?

It’s something I’ve occasionally wondered (about an ex, not myself), and now there’s an official online test to find out.

I’m referring, of course, to the latest instalment in the anti-old bangers story. From 23 October this year, London is introducing a T-Charge – Toxic Charge – to hit cars that give off the worst fumes.

You can find out if your car would fit into this category here. But in summary, it'll affect cars that emit a certain level of nitrogen oxide, which generally means cars that were made before 2005.

At £10 a go, the T-Charge will be in addition to the congestion charge, making a trip to the big city pretty pricey for some drivers. It could cost them £21.50 in total, and that’s not taking parking into consideration... Did you know the average cost of a day’s parking in London is £42?!

Although it’s been termed the toughest emission charge in the world, it’s not that surprising when you consider that over 9,000 Londoners die prematurely due to ongoing exposure to dirty air.

I quite agree with what the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said - "It’s staggering that we live in a city where the air is so toxic that many of our children are growing up with lung problems. The T-Charge is a vital step in tackling the dirtiest diesels."

So it’s all good but this is the first step in a bigger drive to improve air quality in London; as things progress there could be a van driver or two with a furrowed brow... In 2020 – or perhaps even before - there will be a new Ultra Low Emission Zone charge. And by ultra they mean ultra.

To avoid a charge in this zone, all vehicles will have to be under the new Euro 6 standard – and currently, only vans registered from last September would make the cut. So in 2020, vans just a few years old could incur charges that would make their trips into the city somewhat prohibitive.

If you’re a small business worth thinking about different options around vans, this does make leasing a new vehicle seem an increasingly attractive option. Not that I’m biased or anything.