Petrol and diesel car alert as one Labour council hits thousands with extra charges

Drivers of petrol and diesel vehicles have been warned of a potential new parking charge across Reading. The Labour-run council revealed that it plans to launch a formal consultation on new emission-based parking fees across the region until September 12.

The new proposal would see drivers with higher-polluting vehicles pay more for on-street parking and residents' parking permits. The council hopes that the strict rules will support its goal of improving air quality in the borough for the wellbeing of its residents. A wider set of measures is also being introduced to encourage cycling, walking, and the use of public transport.

Parking tariffs are expected to increase by 20% for petrol vehicles and 25% for diesel ones. The fee will apply to each pricing band, based on the vehicle's carbon dioxide emissions, reports GB News.

The charges will only impact vehicles with emission levels of 151g/km or above, heavily affecting petrol and diesel vehicles compared to electric cars.

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."

According to the councillor, transport is responsible for around 30% of all carbon emissions nationally, and he hopes that the new move will encourage the use of lower-emission vehicles, public transport, cycling, and walking.

He added: "Emission-based parking charges are another way we can try to reduce air pollution, as those with higher emission vehicles would pay more to park in town.

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

A formal consultation will allow people to give their opinions on emission-based parking charges for both on-street parking and residents' permits.

Official council documents state that air quality is "adversely affected" by vehicle emissions, and according to the authority, a way to encourage motorists to use other methods of transport is through pricing. The emission-based charging will help the council accomplish its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

However, the council did highlight that it is not "expecting that these changes will change people's choices overnight" but would rather encourage people to "think about their choices when purchasing a new vehicle or making a short journey."

The charge is for on-street pay and display parking bays and permits, including residents' permits. 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.

Car parks are not included in the plan.

The scheme will also apply to parking charges through the pay-by-phone system. However, the council has shared that visitor permits are currently not included in the scheme.

Motorists have mixed opinions on the proposal, with one claiming that the measures are "income-based parking charges".

On Facebook, a resident said: "These vehicles won't magically vanish, so it will likely lead to increased inconsiderate and unsafe parking of older and larger vehicles outside of the affected areas."

Reading West & Mid Berkshire Labour Party representatives have urged locals to express their views, as it is "very important for all residents of the wards directly affected" by the changes.