TOYOTA is making a bid for more business sales of its Prius hybrid with London commuters aiming to avoiding the forthcoming congestion charge.

From May 2003 vehicles will be charged £5 a day between 7am and 6.30pm from Monday to Friday, but vehicles using alternative fuels and hybrids will be exempt.

Owners of gas powered, electric or hybrid vehicles can apply for an exemption through the PowerShift register and payment of a £10 a year administration cost. Toyota has agreed deals to sell Priuses to Westminster City Council, the Department of Work and Pensions and WWF - the global environment network.