A new poll published in the September edition of 'The Londoner' has found that seven out of ten Londoners believe that people should be discouraged from using large Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs), commonly dubbed as the "Chelsea Tractor", in the capital. The research conducted by Ispos-MORI on behalf of the Greater London Authority also reveals that eight out of ten people support the Mayor’s policy of free travel for 16-18 year olds in full time education.

It found that almost two-thirds – 64 per cent - of people think that cars that do less damage to the environment should pay a lower congestion charge than regular vehicles. The same number said that cars that do more damage to the environment should pay more. In total 68 per cent of Londoners backed the idea that people should be discouraged from driving SUVs in the capital.

81 per cent of Londoners backed the introduction of free travel on London’s buses for all under-18s in full time education, a policy that will come into effect this September. Free bus and tram travel for under-18s in full-time education was a key election commitment given by the Mayor in 2004. It builds on the recent introduction of free travel for all under-16s on London’s buses and trams.

Ken Livingstone, the Mayor of London said: "‘With eight out of ten Londoners backing free bus travel for under-18s in full-time education, and seven out of ten wanting to see the use of SUVs discouraged in London, it is quite clear that Londoners are leading the way in promoting public transport and greener ways to travel."

"Perhaps the most interesting figure here is that two thirds of Londoners back the idea that cars that do more damage to the environment should pay a higher congestion charge, and the same number want cars that do less damage should pay a lower charge. This is in tune with the request I have made to transport officials to bring forward plans in September to amend the congestion charging scheme so that it discourages heavily polluting cars."

MAYOR ANNOUNCES £25 CONGESTION CHARGE FOR 4X4S

The Alliance Against Urban 4x4s is celebrating the prospect that one of its major goals may soon be achieved, after Mayor of London Ken Livingstone announced on 12 July 2006 detailed plans to charge gas-guzzling cars a higher congestion charge.

The plans, outlined to Assembly Members at City Hall, set out a sliding scale for cars emitting higher and lower levels of carbon dioxide emissions: cleaner cars in tax bands A and B will receive a discount on the current rate of £8, while cars in bands E, F and G will pay a higher rate with the dirtiest band G cars penalized with a top rate of £25.

Visit www.stopurban4x4s.org.uk for further information.

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