Porsche challenge 'polluter charge'

Porsche has launched a High Court challenge to London Mayor Ken Livingstone's new £25 polluters' charge.

The German sports car manufacturer lodged papers at the court, the first step in seeking to quash the charge on the grounds that it is "disproportionate" and "an illegal action by the mayor". A judge will decide in the next few days whether there are sufficient legal grounds to justify the challenge going to a full hearing.

Mayor Livingstone has urged Porsche to drop the case, claiming it did not have the support of Londoners.

He wants to charge drivers of the most polluting vehicles - including 4x4s and many high performance sports cars - £25 each time they enter central London.

The company argues the move to increase the current congestion charge for these vehicles from £8 a day - or £0.80 for residents - to £25 is both unfair and disproportionate.

Andy Goss, managing director of Porsche Cars GB, said after the judicial review papers were filed at the Royal Courts of Justice, adding: "Not only is this new tax on motorists unfair, it is also a disproportionate and illegal use of power by the mayor."

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