Petrol and diesel owners face paying double for parking under new emissions-based tariffs
Petrol and diesel drivers have been warned they could face sharp increases in parking prices across Reading under new plans.
Reading Borough Council revealed that it is currently looking at introducing emission-based parking measures, which will see petrol and diesel car owners pay more for the same parking spots as electric vehicle drivers.
The proposal, which will be discussed next week, looks to charge petrol drivers an extra tariff of 20 per cent for parking while diesel drivers would face 25 per cent price hikes.
The new parking suggestions form part of the council plan to tackle poor air quality and improve the health of residents in the borough.
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Reading Borough Council will discuss the proposal on Wednesday, June 11
GETTY/READING BOROUGH COUNCIL
The scheme would also hope to encourage the greater adoption of electric vehicles as well as walking, cycling and the use of public transport in Reading.
The move follows other local authorities around the country who have already implemented similar schemes, including several in London as well as Bath and North East Somerset.
Before the proposal was announced, the council launched an informal consultation which attracted 275 responses.
Out of the replies, 64 per cent of respondents showed strong concerns about the effects of poor air quality on the health of their children or family.
The new proposal hopes to improve air quality for residents and promote more sustainable travel
GETTY
In Reading, the proposed emission-based parking scheme would see some vehicles pay double the amount of parking.
The proposal detailed how, under current measures, drivers pay £9 for three hours on the inner tariff, but the proposed changes would see vehicles with emissions over 255g/km pay £18.
As for standard one-hour parking slots, the inner tariff would also increase from £3 to £6 for more polluting vehicles, while two-hour time frames spike from £6 to £12 for higher polluting cars.
John Ennis, Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport, explained that transport accounts for around 30 per cent of all carbon emissions nationally, with the council committed to improving air quality for the town’s residents.
Under the scheme, more polluting cars will see parking costs double
PA
Ennis said the authority has already invested in public transport and improved walking and cycling facilities in Reading, with the emission-based parking charges “another way we can try to reduce air pollution”.
He added: “More than 60 per cent of respondents to the informal consultation said they were concerned about the effects of poor air quality on the health of their children or family. I am sure many other residents feel the same. We also acknowledge the concerns that have been expressed.
“It is important to emphasise that the proposed emission-based parking scheme in Reading would only impact owners of more polluting vehicles and lower-emission petrol cars, as well as electric vehicles, will avoid any extra charges.”
The council will discuss the parking charge changes at the next council meeting on Wednesday, June 11.
