To date exemption has been restricted to passenger cars.
However, under planned forthcoming changes to the low emission zone regulation, only electric vans such as the Renault Kangoo ZE and Mercedes Vito E-Cell, which already go charge-free, would currently escape the levy.
From 1July 2013, TfL proposes to replace its Greener and Electric Vehicle Discount, which allows cars with sub-100g/km CO2 emissions to enter the zone free of charge, with the more stringent Ultra Low Emission Discount (ULED), which cuts the qualifying threshold to 75g/km but applies to cars and vans of up to 3.5-tonnes as well as electric vehicles.
An annual registration fee of £10 for the ULED would be payable to TfL.
TfL said: “Including vans in the discount should encourage the uptake of ultra low emission commercial vehicles.”
But, other than electric vans, the cleanest LCV available at present is the Ford Fiesta Van Econetic, with emissions of 87g/km.
The Congestion Charge for entering central London is £10 a day or £9 for drivers who are registered with an automated payment service. Due to the success of CC Auto Pay, for which 220,000 people are registered, TfL is planning to scrap the option to pay at retail outlets such as shops and fuel stations. Drivers would still be able to pay the charge online, by phone or by text.
TfL also wants to increase the fine for drivers not paying the Congestion Charge from £120 to £130.
It has launched a 12-week public consultation on its proposed changes to the Congestion Charge, which ends on 8 February 2013. It will then report to the London Mayor, Boris Johnson, who will decide whether to implement the changes with or without modifications.
