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Nationwide warning on London diesel parking surcharge

diesel fill shutterstock_7169236
Last month 27,000 fewer diesel cars were registered compared with November 2016

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30 January 2017

THE AA is warning that a London trial for a diesel parking surcharge could “spread like wildfire” to authorities across the country.

Westminster City Council is to trial emissions-based charging for diesel cars parking within Marylebone from April 3.

There is no differentiation for the latest low emissions Euro 6 diesels against older models.

Company car drivers already pay a 3% diesel surcharge for their company car tax benefit in kind, with the extra levy continuing until 2020, in addition to the fuel costing more than petrol at the pumps.

In a pilot programme the charge for pay-to-park bays during normal parking hours will be raised specifically within F zone for diesel cars.

Edmund King, president at the AA, warned: “Like any new tax regime which makes money for local councils this scheme is likely to spread like wildfire.”

He added: “However it will hit many drivers who bought diesel cars in good faith, with many of them encouraged to buy diesel cars by previous Government incentives which promoted them.

“Frankly they would do better to reduce air quality by getting rid of older diesel trucks, buses and taxis which cause most of the pollution.”

According to the AA 50% of air pollution caused by diesel vehicles is caused by just 10% of vehicles.

The new charges will apply to visitors into Marylebone, with resident permits unchanged.

The diesel parking surcharge will add 50% (£2.45) to the current rate of £4.90 per hour making £7.35 in F Zone. Customers are currently able to Park and Pay per minute up to a maximum of 240 minutes (4 hours), meaning charges will be 8p per minute for petrol and 12p per minute for diesels.

A council spokesman said that the pay and display parking machines and telephone parking service could differentiate when the vehicle’s registration was input.

Marylebone suffers some of the highest pollution levels in London, given the area’s location, mix of land uses, building density and type, and number of vehicle trips. A “polluter pays” principle will have the aim of reducing harmful vehicle emissions in Marylebone and any money raised will be spent on initiatives to promote sustainable transport.

Cllr David Harvey, Cabinet Member for Environment, Sports and Community said: “Residents and visitors tell us all the time that air quality is a key concern in central London and we have consulted with our partners and local stakeholders on this practical step in improving our health and wellbeing.

“We have had a positive impact and reduced vehicle emissions through our anti-idling campaign days and by encouraging sustainable and active travel.

“Additional charges for diesel vehicles will mean people think twice about using highly polluting cars and invest in cleaner transport that will make a real difference in the quality of air we breathe and our environment.”

The pilot measure is supported by local stakeholders and partners within the Marylebone Low Emission Neighbourhood including the 3 business improvement districts (BIDs).

The councils says the pilot 50% surcharge for diesel will also provide valuable insight into how the policy works practically and whether there are positive behavioural changes from it that could be replicated elsewhere.

The City of Westminster is responding to residents’ concerns about air quality ahead of the Mayor of London’s implementation of the Ultra-Low Emissions Zones in 2019.

In 2017, Westminster will also see several green initiatives come into effect in the low emission neighbourhood which will help improve air quality. This includes freight consolidation and a new EV infrastructure with charging points upgraded and increased by up to 20 new outlets, including some rapid chargers.

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