Parking consultation agreed in step to tackle air pollution
The changes proposed in this consultation are made in light of the Council’s determination to tackle toxic air pollution.
The changes include proposals to introduce banded resident parking permits, based on a vehicles CO2 emissions. This would see those with the least polluting vehicles paying less than they currently do. Meanwhile, those with the most polluting vehicles will pay the most.
Most air pollution in London is caused by road vehicles. In our borough, road transport accounts for 45% of NOx and 60% of PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) emissions. Air pollution is very damaging to everyone’s health, especially for children and older people. It is therefore vital that strong actions such as those proposed in the consultation are taken to improve air quality, by encouraging residents to drive low emission vehicles.
A council spokesperson said: ‘Air pollution is a global health crisis. In the UK alone 40,000 deaths a year are attributed to outdoor air pollution. Children and older people are most vulnerable to the toxic impacts of air pollution. Vehicles are the largest contributors of air pollution in London, which is why we are proposing policies that will encourage residents and business to use low emission vehicles. By switching to low emission vehicles you can help to clean our borough’s air.
‘A key proposal in the consultation is the introduction of banded parking permits. This will see those with low emission vehicles paying less than they currently do, while those with the most polluting vehicles paying more. Choosing a low emission vehicle can save you money as well as the planet.
‘This consultation has a focus on reducing vehicle use, but it is aimed at everyone who is invested in our local environment and clean air. I urge parks groups, schools, cyclists, walkers, businesses, vehicle owners, pedestrians and parents to get involved and help us find the solutions we need.’
The consultation will launch in late summer 2019 and will last for six weeks.