READING Borough Council is seeking residents’ views on emissions-based parking charges.
The council is proposing a new pricing structure for on-street parking and resident parking permits where owners of higher polluting vehicles would pay more.
It comes as part of a drive to encourage use of low or zero emission vehicles, public transport, cycling and walking, and to reduce air pollution.
It is also designed to contribute towards the aim of Reading becoming a net zero town.
Under the proposals, a sliding scale of parking charges would be introduced based on a given vehicle’s emissions rating.
Motorists wishing to park in a marked pay and display bay would be required to enter vehicle registration details into the machine, which would then be cross-referenced with DVLA data about the vehicle and charge accordingly.
Charges for residents’ and other types of parking permit will also vary according to the vehicle’s emissions.
The scheme was approved at a meeting of the council’s policy committee back in January, subject to a consultation.
That consultation is now under way and is due to close on Sunday 30 March.
The results will then be reported back to a future committee meeting.
Cllr John Ennis, Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport, said:
“Air pollution is still a problem in parts of Reading and it is only right that the Council takes action to improve the situation for the health and wellbeing of its residents.
“Transport accounts for around 30% of all carbon emissions nationally and emission-based parking charges is just one way the Council is seeking to encourage the use of low or no emission vehicles, public transport, cycling and walking.
“The Council is putting major investment into public transport and active travel schemes and believes higher parking charges for more polluting vehicles is another incentive for people to consider more sustainable ways of travelling.
“Now, we are keen to hear what Reading residents and visitors to the town think of this scheme, and on sustainable travel more generally, with the launch of a public consultation.”
Residents can have their say via: reading.govocal.com
