READING Borough Council has announced that plans for parking increases proportional to pollution levels of different vehicles are set to be further discussed next week.
As part of the council’s aims to tackle poor air quality and the impact on resident’s health, emission-based parking charges are being considered.
If agreed, incremental tariffs of 20% for petrol and 25% for diesel will apply to each parking pricing band, based on a vehicle’s carbon dioxide emissions.
It comes after an informal consultation on the proposed introduction of emission-based charges for on-street parking and parking permits was carried out in March, attracting 275 responses.
While a number of respondents raised concerns about the plans, 64% of respondents strongly agreed or agreed that they were concerned about the effects of poor air quality on the health of their children or family.
One fifth of respondents said the move would result in a change of their behaviour, which the council says would represent a “significant impact” on the town’s air quality.
If members of the Traffic Management Sub Committee approve the report recommendations at their meeting– set for Wednesday, June 11–a statutory consultation would then take place.
Any objections would be reported back to a future meeting of the committee for consideration, otherwise the scheme would be introduced in October.
John Ennis, Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport, said:“We know that transport accounts for around 30% of all carbon emissions nationally and this Council is committed to improving air quality for Reading residents.
“We are already investing heavily in public transport and improved walking and cycling facilities in Reading. Emission-based parking charges is another way we can try to reduce air pollution.
“More than 60% of respondents to the informal consultation said they were concerned about the effects of poor air quality on the health of their children or family. I am sure many other residents feel the same. We also acknowledge the concerns that have been expressed.
“It is important to emphasise that the proposed emission-based parking scheme in Reading would only impact owners of more polluting vehicles and lower-emission petrol cars, as well as electric vehicles, will avoid any extra charges.”
Motorists can check their vehicle’s emissions on the government website via: vehicleenquiry.service.gov.uk
