London’s Lambeth Council is set to introduce these emissions-based charges, and several other councils across the country are considering the plans as well.
Based on C02 emissions, multiple councils have already implemented these types of fees.
As a result, owners of the most polluting cars can expect to pay more than twice as much as cleaner cars.
Following this announcement, there are now 26 different charges to park for an hour in Lambeth, depending on a car’s tax band.
For example, the cost of a parking near Waterloo Station ranges from £6.30 and £13.23 an hour.
And much like thousands of parking spaces across the country, payment must be made by an app.
Before the launch of the new charges, the council launched a consultation period.
The consultation on the charges included a new pricing structure for current residents’ parking permits, which are also based on CO2 emissions. These were also increased based on the new car tax bands, and a £140 surcharge for diesel vehicles that do not comply with Euro 6 emissions.
Of more the near 3,000 responses in the consultation, 59% objected to the plans.
However, Lambeth introduced the changes despite opposition.
Rezina Chowdhury, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Lambeth and Clean Air, said: “We were the first London borough to declare a climate emergency, and we have set a target to slash our carbon emissions to make Lambeth a net-zero borough by 2030.
“These changes will make our parking fees structure fairer and more reflective of the different levels of pollution produced by vehicles – and ensure those who pollute the most are charged the most to park.”
Despite the opposition by locals, Lambeth has pushed on with the plans, citing that air quality is a major public health issue and more needs to be done to reach Net Zero goals.
The Guardian spoke to a local handyman who pays for a residents’ parking permit. He said: “You can’t just keep increasing all the charges. Where do they think working people are going to get the money? It’s just a racket.”
Another local and a member of the local church, continued: “They are trying to get less cars on the road, but they are not improving the public transport. It doesn’t make any sense.”
However, there was a small pocked of support A secondary school teacher, who owns an electric car, said: “Climate change is here and it’s going to be painful. We have to change our ways.”
What do you make of the plans in Lambeth? Should more be introduced across England? Or should they be scrapped to help protect drivers and families from rising costs? Leave your comments below.
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