Emission-based parking fees are gaining traction

B&NES introduced emission-based parking in 2022, and the number of stays for lower-emission vehicles has risen compared to those with higher emissions

Reading Borough Council has launched a formal consultation over its plans for emission-based parking charges. It follows the lead set by councils such as Bath & North East Somerset Council (B&NES) and London’s Newham.

Residents are being asked for their views on charging motorists more money for on-street parking and residents’ permits if they have more polluting vehicles.

The changes are designed to support the Council’s aim of improving air quality in the Borough and would complement measures to encourage cycling, walking and the use of public transport.

Incremental tariffs of 20% for petrol and 25% for diesel vehicles would apply to each parking pricing band, based on the vehicle’s carbon dioxide emissions. Only vehicles that have emission levels of 151g/km (grams per kilometre) or above will be subject to additional charges.

Cllr John Ennis, Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport, 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.

“We know that transport accounts for around 30% of all carbon emissions nationally and the Council actively encourages the use of lower-emission vehicles, public transport, cycling and walking. 

“However, it is important to stress that many lower emission petrol cars, as well as electric vehicles, would avoid any extra charges.”

“…the move to emission-based charging aims to reduce congestion, change behaviours and encourage sustainable travel to tackle the climate emergency…”

B&NES introduced emissions-based parking in 2022. Councillor Joel Hirst, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport Strategy, said: “Air quality is improving but we know it remains a concern for people living here. While there are legal limits for exposure to air pollutants set by the government, there are no safe levels and we aspire to WHO global air-quality guidelines.

“Alongside Bath's Clean Air Zone, Liveable Neighbourhoods and other measures, the move to emission-based charging aims to reduce congestion, change behaviours and encourage sustainable travel to tackle the climate emergency and improve air quality and public health.

“Pinpointing the specific impact of each measure is challenging but we continue to monitor their effects. Data on parking stays by emission band shows the number of stays for lower-emission vehicles has steadily increased compared with those with higher emissions.

“There has been a shift of 44% to 57% of vehicles registered to a resident permit now falling into the lowest emissions bands, emitting between zero and 130g CO₂ per kilometre.”

Rokhsana Fiaz, Mayor of Newham described Newham’s 2021 switch to clean-air parking charges as a “bold and necessary step to tackle a public health crisis”. 

She said: “Newham residents are exposed to some of the highest levels of toxic pollution caused by traffic. As a result, we have the highest number of deaths in England - that’s 96 people dying prematurely each year.

“We also have the highest number of our children admitted to hospital due to asthma-related conditions.

“By incentivising greener transport choices and discouraging the use of high-polluting diesel vehicles, we are not only improving air quality but also accelerating our journey toward a cleaner, greener borough." 

The Times reported in April that 49 councils across Britain base their parking rates on vehicle emissions, with hefty surcharges on diesel cars. These usually apply to long-term resident parking permits but are also now being applied to short-stay car parks.