Driving in London is even more expensive: in the city center drivers of older cars from now on have to pay a new environmental toll of 12.50 pounds per day. The British capital receives the equivalent of about 14.50 euros in addition to the existing congestion charge ("congestion charge") of about 13.35 euros.

The "Ultra Low Emission Zone" is intended to improve the air quality in the City of London, according to Transport for London. "Road traffic is the largest source of harmful emissions in London," said the agency. "That's why we are acting to clean our dangerously polluted air and improve public health."

The new fee is charged daily and around the clock. The authority expects around 40,000 affected vehicles.

Greater London Authority

The new London environmental zone (orange) and the planned extension in 2021 (yellow)

The new environmental toll applies to diesel cars that are older than about four years and do not meet the Euro 6 standard. Also affected are gasoline engines, which are around 13 years or older and do not meet the Euro 4 standard, and motorcycles below the Euro 3 standard. For buses and trucks under the Euro 6 emissions standard, 100 pounds per day are due. Exceptions are the black London taxis.

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London, Beijing and Los Angeles: Metropolises fight against bad air

The new environmental zone is initially to be congruent with the existing since 2003, toll area in central London, but later expanded. From October 25, 2021, the entire area between the A406 in the north and the A205 in the south will become part of the low emission zone.