Motorists driving certain vehicles in a UK town will face increased charges for on-street parking from the start of next month. Fresh emission-based fees will be introduced for on-street pay and display bays and residents' parking permits, taking effect from Monday, February 2.
Reading Borough Council announced on Facebook : "The charges are part of the Council's drive to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality in Reading for the health and wellbeing of residents."
The authority explained: "There will be a sliding scale of charges based on the vehicle's emission rating, starting at 151g/km (grams per kilometre).
"We anticipate around 50 per cent of cars will fall into the lowest category and will see no change, and that a further 25 per cent will fall into the first band and face a small increase."Off-street parking at residential properties remains exempt from these charges. Under the new system, vehicles including cars and vans are categorised into emissions brackets, the LDRS reported.
Electric, hybrid and cleaner vehicles will still incur parking fees, though at reduced rates compared to more polluting models.
Price rises will only affect petrol or diesel vehicles emitting above 151g/km of CO2. Six emission bands have been established:
0 – 150
151 – 170
171 – 190
191 – 225
226 – 255
Over 255
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Fees will change(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)
Vehicle owners can verify their car's CO2 output by entering the registration number on the DVLA website.