ES News email The latest headlines in your inbox twice a day Monday - Friday plus breaking news updates Enter your email address Continue Please enter an email address Email address is invalid Fill out this field Email address is invalid You already have an account. Please log in Register with your social account or click here to log in I would like to receive lunchtime headlines Monday - Friday plus breaking news alerts, by email Update newsletter preferences

Motorists could pay £20 to enter the congestion charge zone in rush hour under Liberal Democrat plans to tackle London’s poor air quality.

The standard rate at quieter times would go up from £11.50 to £14 under a “smart” charging system, and there could be mini congestion “hot spots” within the zone with higher charges.

The report by Lib-Dem mayoral candidate Caroline Pidgeon also recommended a £2.50 surcharge on high-polluting diesel vehicles.

This would bring forward plans for a 24-hour ultra low emissions zone within the same charging area in 2020.

The Standard reported yesterday that millions of Londoners now back variable charging.

The ComRes survey, commissioned by business group London First, found nearly two thirds of adults in the capital believe road congestion has got worse in the last two years, and 37 per cent back variable road charging provided the money is ploughed back into the capital’s transport network.

Ms Pidgeon said: “Congestion is not just a huge inconvenience but damaging to people’s health.

"It creates a huge bill for businesses due to delays, longer delivery times and staff arriving late.

“We need to face up to the implications of London’s growing population and that must mean using the congestion charge in a far smarter way.”