Porsche has now made a formal application for judicial review to try to force the mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, to amend his new congestion charges for high polluting vehicles.

However, the mayor has refused to amend the charge, which will see cars that emit more 225g/km of CO2 charged £25 to enter London.

“Porsche has a clear vested interest in attempting to block this ground-breaking scheme,” said Mr Livingstone.

Michele Dix, managing director of planning at Transport for London, pointed out that the principal aim of the scheme remains tackling congestion.

“The aim of the CO2 charge element and discount of the scheme is to cut CO2 emissions by reducing the number of very high emitting cars driving in central London,” she said.

In response, Porsche filed its judicial review request, giving the mayor 21 days to respond.

Andy Goss, managing director of Porsche GB, said: “The new £25 charge will have no meaningful impact on congestion.”

The Campaign for Better Transport has come out in support of Transport for London over a “necessary and progreesive transport measure”.