Emissions zone binned to help small businesses

Date: 3rd February 2009

The proposed extension to London's Low Emission Zone has been scrapped in a bid to help small businesses through the recession.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson opted against implementing a third phase of the scheme, which is designed to encourage the purchase of lower emitting vans and lorries.

Speaking on his decision, Mr Johnson praised the project, but reiterated that now was not the right time to extend it further.

He said: "I want to do all I can to ease the burden of the economic downturn that is affecting us all the time.

"The cost of fitting pollution equipment or getting a new vehicle would have come as a punch in the ribs to those who need our help at this time."

Following the publication of the Anderson Review last week, the British Chambers of Commerce claimed that businesses needed a reduction in red tape to help them through the downturn.