Parking fees based on emissions to be considered

Drivers in Brighton and Hove could have to pay parking charges based on their vehicles' emissions

Motorists parking in Brighton and Hove could have to pay charges based on their vehicles' emissions, the city council has announced.

The measure is among several parking policies to be discussed at a transport and sustainability committee meeting on Tuesday.

The committee's chair, Trevor Muten, said: “Air quality is affecting people’s lives, and that is why we need to take it as a high priority.”

But one resident said it was “unfair” on those who could not afford to upgrade their car.

Brighton and Hove City Council said while omission categories already existed for resident parking permits, the proposed changes would improve air quality.

Mr Muten said there had been a decline in air quality in built-up areas of the city since early 2020.

"We need to think about the impact of people driving and parking in those areas," he told BBC Radio Sussex.

“And think about the size of your car, particularly in terms of how much pollution it contributes to those communities.”

'A money maker'

However, some locals are angry at the idea of extending the omission categories to paid-for on-street parking and council-owned car parks.

One local resident said: “It just feels like a money maker.”

Another added: “People who can afford newer cars are the people who can afford the parking."

But, another resident said: “I can’t really disagree with it. If you want a cleaner city, then this will maybe encourage people to drive electric cars."

Other proposals to be put forward at the council meeting include reduced parking rates at London Road and Chapel Street car parks, a physical permit option for those with limited access to digital payment options and a virtual visitor parking permit.