Campaigners concerned with the quality of the air in London and the capital's reputation as a climate change leader world wide have expressed their concern over Boris Johnson's plans to scrap a higher charge for higher polluting vehicles in central London.

Mr Johnson expressed his "delight" at being able to prevent the charge, which would apply to vehicles with the highest emissions, from coming into force in October.

However, former mayor Ken Livingstone has defended his own policy and slated Johnson's move.

Livingstone said: "Today's announcement is a further blow to London as a groundbreaking city to tackle climate change and improve the environment."

And Friends of the Earth (FoE) have also expressed their doubts over the mayor's environmental credentials.

Jenny Bates, FoE's London campaigner, said: "Boris Johnson is letting the biggest polluters off the hook instead of encouraging people to use cleaner cars."

Meanwhile Porsche, who launched a legal challenge to the proposed plans, has succeeded. The Greater London Authority has been ordered to pay the automaker its costs.


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