London borough joins Porsche's fight against c-charge

Last month Porsche confirmed that it would challenge the London's £25 ($50) congestion charge in the High Court of Justice and this week the sports carmaker gained a new ally in the form of London borough Kensington and Chelsea. Porsche has continually asserted the increase of the congestion charge from £8 ($16) a day, or £0.80 ($1.6) for residents, to £25 is both unfair and disproportionate.

Andy Goss, managing director of Porsche GB, said; “I am pleased that Kensington and Chelsea has joined us in our fight against this unfair, counter-productive tax against motorists.” Kensington and Chelsea is the central borough within the congestion zone and has one of the highest proportions of high-income (individuals earning over £50,000 per year) earners in the country.

The latest announcement coincides with a finding that the congestion charge has done little to improve air quality since its introduction back in 2003. According to a report from New Scientist, pollutants such as smog, diesel soot, and carbon monoxide are at the same level as before the introduction of the charge.

The Transport for London regulatory body insists the congestion charge has cut emissions of nitrogen oxides by 8% and particulate matter created by diesel engines by 15%.