WALTHAM Forest could be given the power to introduce controversial congenstion charging.

Under the terms of the proposed Local Government Transport Bill, any borough within London's Low Emission Zone could be given the right to implement the charge.

If the Bill is successful, vehicles which pollute the most such as lorries, coaches, large vans and buses, will have to pay a charge to enter the zone.

Cars, motorbikes and small vans will not be affected unless local authorities introduce their own charges, which must be approved by the Greater London Assembly first.

Waltham Forest Council has so far refused to comment as the Bill is still in its early stages, but the opposition group has said it fears the worst.

Matt Davis, Conservative group leader, told the Guardian: "The proposals are wrong. Plain wrong.

"It's about the politics of envy - cars symbolising a status of wealth.

"It's not about air quality, it's not about the environment, it's about charging people more, as if local people are not paying enough already."

Cllr Davis said he feared Waltham Forest may introduce such a charge in busy areas such as central Walthamstow and Leytonstone High Road, claiming council leader Clyde Loakes had "a visceral hatred of the car" and "a personal vendetta against the car".

The Guardian approached the council for a statement, but it declined to comment.

The Bill explained: The legislation, if passed, is designed to tie in with London's new Low Emission Zone scheme, due to be introduced in February 2008.

Transport for London hopes that creating the zone will help reduce air pollution in the capital.

The zone covers most of greater London, including the neighbouring boroughs of Redbridge and Hackney, which could also introduce congestion charging.

The Department of Transport says it would be up to councils to decide what levy to charge, but all money raised would have to be spent on local transport.

The plans have been fiercely criticised by pro-car groups. A spokesman for the AA said the organisation was "extremely concerned".

He added: "There is also the accumulator factor which could, for example, see motorists driving from Croydon to central London via Bromley having to pay charges in every borough to get there.".

Shadow Transport Minister Stephen Hammond said: "We will be putting down amendments to make sure this is subject to a local referendum."