Don't let Boris tax your old smoker!

It's no surprise that London Mayor Boris Johnson has reneged on his decision to postpone the next phase of the London Low Emissions Zone. Now it looks like owners of older vans could face fines of up to £100 if they enter the zone from 2012 (see story). Bad news for small businesses – but it might just give you the impetus to trade your old smoker for something newer. And with the government scrappage scheme being extended – and broadened to include eight-year-old vans – right now is a very good time to trade up, if you can afford it. Then at least you'll be taking money from the politicians, rather than giving it back in the form of a LEZ levy. Meanwhile RoSPA thinks it'll be safer for all road users if we stop the absurd practice of putting the clocks back in winter. We say – about time!

Mark Bursa - editor

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