Prius exemption from London Congestion Charge in doubt?

Looks like Volvo in the UK is attacking the notion that the Prius should have exception of the London Congestion Charge. It will be very interesting to see how Transport For London and the London Mayor respond to this.

I would actually say that the benefits of hybrids to non hybrids in heavy inner city traffic is more than the CO2 figure indicates:

1. When traffic stops the enginer cuts off in a hybrid, so emmitting no CO2.

2. Petrol engines emit far lower NOX and other pollution than small diesals (which make up most of the new wave of sub 100g cars being released in Europe at the moment).

I'm sure Toyota GB will have plenty to say on this issue.

Here is the question and answer from the last London Mayer's questions on this topic (question to the Mayor in bold):

Will you be taking up Volvo’s challenge to review the regulations that govern which cars are exempt from Congestion Charging, given that at the end of 2008, there were 13 non-hybrid models in the total UK car market that fell below the 105g/km threshold for CO2 emissions typical of the exempt hybrid cars? Or will you be looking at the issue of emissions charging in the centre of London separately? – Mike Tuffrey

I have already asked TfL to undertake a full review of Congestion Charging discounts and exemptions, and they will be reporting to me on this later in the year. Please refer to MQT1473/2009.

I have also responded to Volvo to that effect. It is appropriate to keep the criteria for Congestion Charging under review and consider the effects of changes in vehicle technology, as well as the range of other calls for changes to the discounts and exemptions available. I will consider this matter fully when I have the results of TfL’s review later this year.