Changes to the London Congestion Charge (CC) are to come into effect from July 1st next year, but the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) has questioned the decision.

The threshold for carbon output is to be reduced from 100g/km of CO2 to just 75g/km, while London taxis are to remain exempt from the charges.

However, BVRLA chief executive John Lewis described the move as little more than a "revenue-raising exercise" and argued the rules need to be changed to bring them in line with other initiatives, such as the Plug-in Car Grant.

"Fleet operators at least have some warning this time, but they should remember that a vehicle that qualifies for a 100 per cent discount could lose it at any stage," Mr Lewis argued.

The news follows a recent call by the BVRLA for clarification on the introduction of the new European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval legislation for fleet operators, which will require firms to submit plans before making modifications to their cars and vans.

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Posted by Brendan Saunders,  Account Manager, The Fuelcard People.