If you live or work in London and drive an eco-unfriendly SUV or gas-guzzler, you'll pay - literally. In 2003, the city mayor introduced a daily fee for vehicles entering central London in an effort to curb traffic and pollution. In October, the fee will rise to almost $50 per day, triple the price it is now. Those driving fuel-efficient vehicles will be exempt from the hefy fee.

Mayor Ken Livingstone is permitted to approve these policies without any legislative approval and his original fee introduction years ago have reduced traffic and positively affected commuter's habits in the city.

"The CO2 emissions from the most high-powered 4x4s and sports cars can be up to four times as great as the least polluting cars," he said, referring to carbon dioxide emissions, which are tied to global warming.

The new fees will target the larger vehicles responsible for the higher amounts of emissions, and it is estimated 17 per cent (approximately 33,000 vehicles) of vehicles coming into the area will be hit with the charge. Another two per cent will be allowed free entry and the final 81 per cent will pay the current fee of $16.

Between the increase in the cost of fuel and the substantial hike in this entry fee, it looks like now is the time to go green with your vehicle in London or start considering alternate modes of transportation. The $49 daily fee alone, without factoring in fuel, will amount to almost $250 per week or $1000 per month. That's about as much as a food bill for a small family and only the wealthy (or those who really, really hate public transportation) will likely be able to afford it. Well played Ken Livingstone, well played.

» MSNBC Environment