"Give London Drivers Solutions Not Taxes" Says Car Club

LONDON, March 7 --

- Carbon Allowance, Parking Taxes and Congestion Charges Being Tabled

Zipcar, the world's largest car club, has called for ministers and policy makers to consider alternatives to taxes as a means of controlling congestion in the capital. The move comes in the wake of The Environment Secretary, David Miliband's reported call to consider applying carbon allowances to drivers.

Paul McLoughlin, general manager, Zipcar explained: "The concept of a carbon allowance is fraught with problems, not least because it can end up being a tax for those who cannot afford a new vehicle. For the wealthy, buying carbon allowance can be another indulgence to add to the status of driving a gas-guzzler."

Paul continues: "It is important that steps that are put in place to ease congestion and pollution problems are not perceived as being merely revenue generation opportunities. We have heard a great deal about steps such as congestion charging, parking increases, road tolls and now carbon allowances. The same focus needs to be given to positive solutions, such as car clubs, which have been proven to have a significant impact without taxing drivers."