Hybrids could lose CC exemption

Hybrid cars could lose their exemption from paying the London Congestion Charge.

Volvo is pushing London Mayor Boris Johnson to redress anomalies, that mean the company's 104g/km-emitting S40 1.5DRIVe model our Green Car of the Year 2009 is forced to pay the charge, while the Lexus LS600h hybrid is exempted despite producing CO2 emissions of 219g/km

Waiver to be removed?
Volvo thinks it's more likely that hybrids, and other alternatively powered vehicles, will lose their exemption rather than more models being granted the waiver.

It says manufacturers of hybrid vehicles are also realistic and believe it is only a matter of time before the exemption is removed.

Mayor Johnson had said the review of charging would be completed by the end of 2009, but has written to Volvo explaining it has taken more time than anticipated. Although no timetable has been given, the review is expected soon.

What do you think?
Click [here](mailto:peter.lawton@haymarket.com?subject=Leave my hybrid out of this) if you drive a hybrid into London, or [here](mailto:peter.lawton@haymarket.com?subject=More exemption ) if you think more cars should get the exemption.