Public consultation on the prospect of a low emission zone in London has got underway, the Greater London Authority (GLA) has revealed.

If the consultation procedure does not bring to light any major issues, it appears likely that the zone - the brainchild of London's mayor, Ken Livingstone - will be implemented across the capital by 2008.

Mr Livingstone's plans would see vehicles travelling in London forced to pay penalties should they fail to meet certain emissions standards.

The idea is that the scheme will force those people who regularly travel inside the M25, such as business fleets as well as local residents, into either upgrading their vehicles to more efficient ones or having their current vehicles retro-fitted with emissions-reducing technology.

If the scheme is implemented and is successful in reducing emissions in London, it is thought that a number of other cities across the UK, including Liverpool, Manchester and Sheffield, could look to introduce similar programmes.

Mr Livingstone is hopeful that the programme will see a reduction in emissions across the capital as part of his aim to make London one of the world's greenest cities.


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