/ Mike Robb / 26 February 2008 /

Porsche add to Livingstone's woes following the announcement that they are to challenge his proposal to raise the congestion charge for high-polluting cars

Porsche announced on Wednesday that they will go ahead with a legal challenge to Ken Livingstone's 312 percent congestion charge increase for the so-called 'gas guzzlers' entering central London. The charge would cover the majority of luxury cars as well as all 4×4s.

The main argument, said Porsche's Andy Goss, is that, "Thousands of car owners driving a huge range of cars will be hit by a disproportionate tax which is clear will have a very limited effect on CO2 emissions.

If the Mayor fails to respond to Porsche's letter or refuses to reconsider his plans, Porsche intends formally to submit its application for judicial review."

Interestingly, the new charges will not come into effect until October this year, five months after the election in May. As yet there has been no response from the Johnson camp, but with Transport for London estimating that the new charges will apply to 17% of vehicles using the zone at present it could well become a campaign issue if there is electoral gain in Johnson publicly opposing the measure.

On the other hand, many people will see the charge as the right thing to do in principle, although a 312% increase seems extortionate by anyone's measure.

In a betting context this story could have a real impact if the legal appeal takes place before the election as it would be sure to result in some unwanted press for Red Ken. Porsche has given the Mayor two weeks to respond before going down a legal route.

If you think this story will add to the incumbent Mayor's woes in the lead up to the election in May you can back Boris at [2.56] or Liberal Democrat Brian Paddick at [19.5]. Livingstone's price has been gradually drifting out since the turn of the year but he is still [1.69] to remain as Mayor for another term.

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