‘Toxin tax’ on diesel cars is to be unveiled

MILLIONS of motorists face a new tax raid under plans to slap a pollution fee of up to £20 a day on diesel cars in cities like Birmingham.

Plans are reportedly afoot for a new “toxin tax” as part of a major attempt to tackle air pollution.

The new crackdown was set to be unveiled this week by environment secretary Andrea Leadsom, according to the Sunday Times.

It reports that around 35 towns and cities – Birmingham among them – will have bans on diesel cars and commercial vehicles, daily charges on them entering the busiest areas, or a mix- ture of the two measures. Up to ten million cars could be affected in cities also including Leeds, Southampton, Nottingham and Derby.

Plans to speed up the expansion of tougher rules on vehicle pollution in London are expected to be announced by Mayor Sadiq Khan.

The most polluting vehicles will incur a £12.50 fee to enter an ultra-low emission zone being launched in the centre of the capital, reportedly in 2019.

In some areas a £20 a day charge has been suggested.

Those charge liable would for the include diesel cars that are preEuro 6 standard, which was introduced in September 2015. Tory MP Charlie Elphicke said: “Many drivers feel they were encouraged to buy diesel by the last Labour Government.

“Punishing them with extra taxes is deeply unfair.”