Emission-based parking charges introduced across Reading
New on-street parking charges, based on vehicle carbon dioxide emissions, kick in from today
Some drivers in Reading will have to pay more for parking from today (2nd February), as the Borough Council's new emission-based charges come into force.
The higher charges will apply to pay-and-display on-street parking and residents’ permits.
The scheme is part of the Council’s aim to improve air quality and health in the town and reduce carbon emissions by encouraging the use of public transport, low emission vehicles and cycling and walking.
The authority says a 'sliding scale' of parking charges will apply depending on the vehicle’s CO2 emissions, with a tariff of 20% for petrol and 25% for diesel vehicles. However, the tariffs will only apply to vehicles which have emission levels of 151g/km (grams per kilometre) or above which means many petrol vehicles will escape any extra charge.
It expects that around half of motorists will see no increase, while a further 25% will fall into the first band, resulting in a small rise in charges.
Motorists using on-street pay-and-display parking bays will be asked to enter their vehicle registration number and will be charged based on their vehicle’s emissions data held by the DVLA for road tax purposes.
Similar schemes have been implemented by other local authorities around the country, including in some London boroughs, with positive impacts on air quality being reported.
Cllr John Ennis, Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport at the council, said: “Good air quality is a high priority for the Council and although we are seeing an improved situation in Reading there are still areas where pollution levels are too high. That impacts on the health and wellbeing of residents, particularly children, older people and those with heart and lung conditions.
“We know that transport accounts for around 30% of carbon emissions nationally and the introduction of emission-based parking charges is one way the Council is working to reduce its impact.
“The Council has invested heavily in improving local bus services and encouraging cycling and walking. A major programme rolling out public electric vehicle charging points will also get under way later this year.
“Around 50% of vehicles are expected to avoid any extra charges under the new emission-based charging scheme and another 25% are likely to face the lowest tariff, so only those with the most polluting vehicles will be asked to pay more for on-street parking in Reading.
“I hope the scheme encourages people to think about their transport choices and consider all travel options that are available to them.”
New applications for resident parking permits, and other types of parking permits, will be assessed using the emission-based charging structure.