Modern diesel cars could be stung by a new £12.50 daily charge when entering Central London. 

This is the first time pollution penalties have been given to modern diesel engines. 

Tomorrow, London Mayor Sadiq Khan will announce plans to bring forward the introduction of an ultra-low emissions zone.

The Mayor is also expected to announce plans to expand the low emissions zones from Central London to the North Circular and South Circular roads. 

It follows his plans to introduce a £10 toxicity charge in London from October 2017.^[1] 

The charge will apply to drivers of petrol and diesel cars registered before 2006 entering London's congestion charge zone. 

Drivers of these old dirty diesel cars will therefore have to pay the £10 T-charge on top the £11.50 congestion charge. 

Nitrogen oxides from diesel engines are  linked to several respiratory issues including asthma. 

The low emissions zone is expected to be introduced in 2019. 

In February, during an interview with Sky News the Mayor of London stressed the importance of tackling the air pollution^[2] in the Capital.

"In London over 9,000 Londoners die each year because of the poor quality air.

"There are children in parts of London whose lungs are under developed and there are 438 school in areas where the are is illegal.

"A few weeks ago I had to issue the first ever very high air pollution alert because of the poor quality air in London.

"Inaction is no longer an option, and so i'm taking bold action now to make sure we fix the air in London."