Diesel cars are facing a turbulent time as a result of the fallout of the VW diesel gate scandal and the subsequent condemnation of the fuel type since then.
The future of diesel cars is uncertain as certain car manufacturers turn away from cars powered by the fuel.
UK motorists are also purchasing less and less diesel vehicles with annual sales facing a significant decline, which has actually caused a rise in CO2 emissions as motorists turn to petrol cars as a temporary solution.
Now diesel car owners face even more problems as the Government is set to introduce a new charge onto these cars in London later this year.
The introduction of the Ultra Low Emissions Zone will see drivers handed a £12.50 daily fee if their car does not meet the minimum emissions requirement.
ULEZ will replace the toxic T-Charge which was introduced by Mayor Sadiq Khan in 2017. The charge will be in affect 24 hours a day, seven days a week and covers the Congestion Charge Zone area.
The Congestion Charge is only payable between the hours of £11.50 daily charge for driving a vehicle within the charging zone between 07:00 and 18:00, Monday to Friday.
Therefore, motorists could face paying £24 to use their cars in this zone from April 2019 when the charge comes into affect.
Motorists that fail to pay fee will be fined £160, which will be reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days.
The Government is hoping that the new charge could act as a deterrent for motorists using their highly polluting vehicles in city centres.
Air pollution is an out of control problem in London with the majority of Londoners having to breath in toxic air fumes daily.
Cars that have to pay the charge are Euro 6 diesel vehicles which produce, which is the majority of new cars manufactured before 2015.
As a result, diesel cars must not produce more than 0.5g/km of carbon monoxide, 0.08g/km of nitrogen oxide or 0.005g/km of particulate matter.
The charge is also applicable to Euro 4 petrol cars, which are those typically built before 2006.
Drivers that use the zone every day for a year would pay a whopping total of £4,562.
The Congestion Charge operates between the hours of 07:00 and 18:00, Monday to Friday, meaning the max annual charge is £2,990.
The absolute maximum a motorist could face paying is £7,552 a year when paying both these fees daily.
The Mayor also urged motorists to check to see if their car is compliant with the strict new emissions standard.
“I know Londoners are passionate about improving the quality of the air they breathe so – with only three months to go before the launch of ULEZ – I’d encourage everyone who drives within central London to spend a couple of minutes checking whether their vehicle complies with the new emissions standards.
“A predicted 45% fall in harmful emissions within the zone should be a great start to improving the lives of millions of Londoners.”
You can check if your car is compliant with the new rules here.