Nearly 700,000 car drivers in Greater London could be liable to pay a £12.50 charge to drive into the city from the summer, according to the RAC.
The number affected by the ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ) charge when it expands is likely to be far higher when vehicles entering from bordering counties such as Kent, Hertfordshire and Essex are affected, the motoring organisation says.
Drivers who do not pay the £12.50 daily charge will face a fine of up to £160.
The RAC says it is estimated that around 160,000 cars a day currently drive in the area that will become part of the expanded zone.
To help mitigate the impact on drivers and businesses London mayor Sadiq Khan has launched a £110m scrappage scheme which offers those eligible up to £2,000 towards buying a compliant vehicle.
RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said: ‘Cleaning up London’s air should undoubtedly be a priority.
‘But the sheer number of vehicles that don’t meet ULEZ emissions standards in Greater London suggests there will be a massive financial impact on motorists and businesses through having to fork out £12.50 every day they drive in the zone.’
