Environmentalists today welcomed the announcement by London Mayor Ken Livingstone that fuel thirsty cars, often four-wheel drive that emit more than 225g of CO2 per kilometre, would be hit by the new congestion charge levy. But it will be good news for drivers of hybrid and electric cars, who will receive 100 percent exemption from the controversial charge.

Mr Livingstone pointed out that the so-called “Chelsea tractors” were something of an unnecessary luxury in central London. “It is the heaviest concentration in the country and one has to ask why people need four wheel drives in the most densely populated part of the UK, ” said the Mayor. “People are waking up to the fact we are bequeathing our children and our grandchildren appalling consequences if we don’t act.”

However, the Conservatives and car manufacturers hit back at ‘Red’ Ken, saying that the charge was deliberately intended to punish the better off. “It is pushing people rather than pulling them. It is a tax and is tackling climate change in the wrong way,” said Tory transport spokesman Roger Evans, while Christopher Macgowan, CEO of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said, “In his war against the affluent, he seems content to ignore this collateral damage to families.”