NEW green laws mean a charity must find £40,000 for a minibus with a smaller carbon footprint.
The Castle Point Social Car Scheme provides transport for elderly and disabled people and regularly runs trips into London.
But as of July 7, its biggest minibus, a specially-adapted 14-seater, will be subject to a daily £100 charge every time it enters the new Low Emission Zone, covering all 33 London boroughs.
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Scheme manager Iris Brown said: "I knew it was happening, but I don't think it's right that we should have to pay because we can't afford new vehicles."
The Low Emission Zone aims to reduce pollution in the capital and is being introduced in stages.
From February this year lorries weighing more than 12 tonnes and falling below the Euro III standard for emissions have had to pay up to £200 a day to travel inside the zone, although the M25 is exempt.
The car share scheme has another smaller minibus.
But Mrs Brown said: "Using it will limit how many people we can take.
"It is a 12-seater, but if people have walking frames we have to take two seats out to make room and often they have carers with them as well, meaning there are even less disabled people going."
A new minibus will cost the charity around £40,000, including £7,000 of special adaptations such as an electronic tail lift and wheelchair accommodation.
The charity made a start with an auction and raffle at the end of March which raised £500, but there is still a long way to go to meet its £40,000 target.
Nancy Lynn, Transport for London spokeswoman, confirmed vehicles used by charities will have to pay the Low Emissions Zone charge.
However, she said: "Trans-port for London is currently considering the position in relation to charities in the low emission zone."
l If you would like to donate or volunteer as a driver call the charity on 01268 638411.
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