It would also complement a wider package of measures being introduced to encourage cycling, walking and the use of public transport.

Under the proposals, it would see parking tariffs increase by 20 per cent for petrol and 25 per cent for diesel vehicles, which would apply to each parking pricing band, based on the vehicle’s carbon dioxide emissions.

Only vehicles which have emission levels of 151g/km or above will be subject to additional charges, which would disproportionately impact many petrol and diesel vehicles, while electric cars would gain favourable parking rates.

Councillor John Ennis said: “Although air quality in Reading is improving overall, there are areas of the town where pollution levels are too high. That affects the health of residents, particularly children, older people and individuals with heart and lung conditions.”

Official council documents warned that air quality is “adversely affected” by emissions from vehicles. “One way of encouraging motorists to consider the alternative means of transport is through pricing,“ the authority shared.

The introduction of emissions-based charging will also assist the council in achieving its goal to be carbon neutral by 2030.

But the council did note that it is not, “expecting that these changes will change people’s choices overnight”, adding that it has been designed to encourage people to “think about their choices when purchasing a new vehicle or making a short journey”.

The proposal is for on-street pay and display parking bays and permits, including residents’ permits, but does not include car parks.

As part of the changes, customers will be required to enter the vehicle registration into new pay and display machines, and charges will be based on the emissions data held by DVLA for road tax purposes.

The scheme will also be applied to parking charges through the pay-by-phone system, but the council did state that visitor permits were currently not included in the scheme at this time.

But drivers have shared their mixed views on the proposal, with one person sharing that the measures are simply “income-based parking charges”.

“These vehicles won’t magically vanish, so it will likely lead it increased inconsiderate and unsafe parking of older and larger vehicles outside of the affected areas,” a resident shared on Facebook.

Meanwhile, representatives for Reading West & Mid Berkshire Labour Party urged residents to make their views known as it is “very important for all residents of the wards directly affected” by the changes.