Emission-based parking charges plan open for views

Reading Borough Council is proposing that more polluting vehicles should for on-street parking and resident parking permits

A public consultation has been launched into proposals that owners of higher polluting vehicles should pay more for parking.

Reading Borough Council is proposing the pricing structure for on-street parking and resident permits in the Berkshire town.

Under the scheme, a sliding scale of charges would be introduced based on the vehicle's emissions rating.

The consultation closes on 30 March and the results will then be reported back to a future committee meeting.

The scheme was approved in January, subject to a consultation.

The scheme is part of the council's drive to encourage use of low or zero emission vehicles, public transport, cycling and walking, and reduce air pollution to benefit the health of residents.

Motorists wishing to use a marked pay and display bay would be required to enter their vehicle's registration details into the machine which would then access DVLA data about the vehicle and charge accordingly.

The local authority said charges for residents' and other types of parking permit would also vary according to the vehicle's emissions.

John Ennis, council lead for climate strategy and transport, said air pollution "is still a problem in parts of Reading".

"...and it is only right that the [council]l takes action to improve the situation for the health and wellbeing of its residents," he said.

He added that transport accounted for about 30% of all carbon emissions nationally.

"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."

The council said the scheme would also contribute towards the aim of Reading becoming a net zero town.