Porsche challenge to London pollution charge

0 Comments | AFP, April, 2008

LONDON (AFP) — Porsche launched a High Court challenge in London on Wednesday against the mayor's plan to impose hefty pollution charges on high-emissions vehicles entering the city centre.

The German luxury sports car maker lodged papers at the Royal Courts of Justice in a bid to stop Ken Livingstone's proposed charge, claiming the scheme is disproportionate, illegal and unfair.

Under the mayor's plan, from October, people with the most polluting motors -- such as sports utility vehicles and high-powered performance cars -- will pay a daily charge of 25 pounds (49.70 dollars, 31.75 euros) to drive into central London.

"Not only is this new tax on motorists unfair, it is also a disproportionate and illegal use of power by the mayor," said Andy Goss, managing...