CO2-based parking charges to go ahead

11.21.41am GMT Tue 30th Jan 2007

Cabinet has voted to implement new parking charges for cars in controlled parking zones (CPZs) based on their CO2 emissions.

The proposals were first mooted in October 2006. Initial proposals were followed by a consultation exercise where 47 % of respondents indicated they were in favour, 39 % were opposed with the balance undecided. The consultation also indicated that almost 2/3 (64 %) indicated that the new charges would make them consider changing to less polluting vehicles.

The councillors who voted late last night in a packed meeting at York House in Twickenham first listened carefully during over two hours of passionate submissions from members of the public and other councillors - some in favour of the proposals and some against.

Speaking after the vote Cllr Serge Lourie, Leader of Richmond Council said:

"I am absolutely delighted that our cabinet has passed this important resolution. We will now charge less for permits for the cars with the lowest emissions of CO2 and more for the vehicles with the highest emissions.

"We have listened to local residents concerns in recent weeks and as a result have named a number of changes to the scheme including the treatment of second cars and pre 2001 vehicles.

"Climate change is the defining issue of our age - it is clear that we must all change our behaviour to combat its effects. For our council this is just the first step in a long process that will see us bring forward policies to move our borough and council to lower carbon emissions.

"I believe that many other councils both in and outside London will now follow our lead. I know nine in London alone have already said they will do so. We have also received the support of the Mayor of London Ken Livingstone who has already said he intends to apply similar principles to the central London congestion zone from 2008."

Speaking about Richmond Councils decision Mr Livingstone said:

"I would like to congratulate the London Borough of Richmond on taking a brave decision to be the first London borough to introduce emission based parking charges. I understand that other local authorities are interested in your proposals and I would encourage all London boroughs to consider introducing similar schemes.

"Climate change is such a serious issue that all public authorities will have to put this at the top of the agenda. As you will know, we have plans to introduce emissions based charges within the congestion charge zone. London is taking a lead both nationally and internationally with the announcement of such a series of measures but we need to see more Councils taking bold decisions like Richmond's if London is to continue to play its part in tackling climate change."