Carbon-linked parking fees get go-ahead
February 12, 2007
Councillors at the London Borough of Richmond-upon-Thames have voted to implement a radical new system of parking charges that will see residents in controlled parking zones (CPZs) pay fees for their permits based on the carbon dioxide emissions of their vehicles.
The proposals, first mooted in October 2006, suggested that owners of "gas-guzzling" prestige cars could soon pay three times more than they do at present for their permits, while the drivers of electric cars would park for free.
The initial proposals were followed by a consultation exercise that showed that 47% of respondents were in favour, 39% were opposed, with the balance undecided.
Moreover, almost two-thirds (64%) of those who replied indicated that the new charges would make them consider changing to less-polluting vehicles.
Speaking after the vote, Cllr Serge Lourie, Leader of Richmond Council, said, "I am absolutely delighted that our cabinet has passed this important resolution. We will now charge less for permits for the cars with the lowest emissions of carbon dioxide and more for the vehicles with the highest emissions."
He added, "I believe that many other councils both in and outside London will now follow our lead. I know nine in London alone have already said they will do so. We have also received the support of the Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, who has already said he intends to apply similar principles to the central London congestion zone from 2008."
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