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.
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Re: TFL/Porsche challenge continues
Not off the top of my head but I have this dread feeling that 21 paragraphs of ill matched cut and paste anti-man made climate dogma is heading in my general direction.
Re: TFL/Porsche challenge continues
You're on, JJ. Feb 22, 2010 is in my diary. I'l be here and I'm backing that you'll be rearranging these words - pie, humble, eat.
Re: TFL/Porsche challenge continues
Got to say, I signed the petition on the Porsche web site in favour of them standing upto Ken Livingston. I don't own a Porsche nor do I live anywhere near London, but I do believe all fully paid up car owners have a right to drive wherever they like as long as tarmac is under the wheel, lets face it, we already pay huge amounts in tax to drive within the UK.
Others have posted on the effects or lack of effect the current legislation has had on general traffic/air quality in London. What this could be though (depending on how far Porsche actually take it) is a land mark case, that may shape the future plans of councils in other large UK cities.