Ken Livingstone told Assembly Members today about his plans for the Charge to reflect carbon emissions of vehicles, similar to the annual Road Tax fees. Some drivers might have to pay as much as £25 a day to enter central London and this could also result in approximately 44 percent of motorists paying more.

The Mayor said the dramatic plans to change the Congestion Charge could take effect from 2008/09 at the earliest.

The Mayor explained during Mayor's Question Time that vehicles in Road Tax band A/B cars might pay a bit less than £8; band C/D about the same; and charges for band E/F, around 36 percent of vehicles on the road, would graduate between £8 and £25. Finally, Band G, around 8 percent of cars, would pay £25 a day, such as those who drive a Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Geoff Pope AM, Chair of the London Assembly's Transport Committee, said: "I welcome these proposals. Indeed, I hope that if we get carbon emissions down in central London, we can then consider extending the scheme across London. When the Mayor has worked out the detailed implementation, the London Assembly will go over the plans very carefully so we can be sure they will be effective."