How to avoid a £12.50 daily charge – Is going green the answer?

Global warming is a threat – to the planet, and by extension our way of life. Arguably one of the largest contributors to this disaster is nitrogen dioxide emissions, primarily originating from the burning of fossil fuels. The consequences for our continued usage of these fuels are usually referenced in long-term, far-reaching effects. But some of these effects might strike closer to home, and sooner than you think.

London’s financial district contains some of the worst hotspots for nitrogen dioxide in the UK – due to the vast amount of diesel cars that drive through these areas. Although nitrogen dioxide isn’t hazardous to health in sparse levels, in a concentrated area it can be extremely dangerous – creating smog and acid rain with its pollution.

So, with something that alarming boiling within the heart of the English capital, what can be done? In short, the British Government’s answer to this crisis comes in the form of a trial scheme, to ban non-electric cars in certain streets of London for a brief period. The only cars that will be allowed to traverse these streets will be plug-in hybrid and electric cars.

The government hopes that the trial will help the UK reach the legal EU limits for nitrogen dioxide levels – 40 micrograms per cubic metre on average. Only time will tell how successful this trial will be – but if it is, how long will it be before non-electric cars are banned in other cities, or even nationwide?

Interestingly, this trial scheme comes ahead of a similar proposal, due to be introduced in April 2019 – Ultra-Low Emissions Zones (ULEZ). Although the zones don’t completely ban non-electric cars, any non-electric cars in the zone must comply with minimum emissions standards or face extra fees. For petrol cars it’s a Euro 4 standard, whilst for diesel it’s a Euro 6.

These fees aren’t cheap either, travelling in a non-compliant vehicle will see you slapped with a daily charge of £12.50. Perhaps it’s time that we all start thinking of going green.