Polluting vehicles start to pay up to $130 to drive into central London

Drivers of cars that don't meet London's new pollution standards will be charged an extra 12.5 pounds ($16.4) when entering the center of the capital at any time, starting this week.

The Ultra Low Emission Zone, also known as the ULEZ, has come into force within the same area of central London as the Congestion Charge, which charges 11.5 pounds from 7 am to 6 pm on weekdays.

Local governing agency Transport for London hopes that the move will further reduce both air pollution and the number of polluting cars in use, estimating about 40,000 vehicles will be affected every day.