Shropshire Star

Diesel drivers to pay more for parking in London borough

Motorists are faced with paying £2 extra to park their diesel-powered vehicle in Islington

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Drivers of diesel motors in a London borough are set to pay more for parking.

Motorists in Islington will be required to pay an extra £2 to park their diesel-powered vehicles over petrol or alternatively fuelled counterparts in the area — regardless of the car’s age.

It will be the first time a council in the UK has put extra parking charges on diesel vehicles — an honour Islington Council will hold when it comes into effect in early 2018.

The council estimates that 25-30 per cent of its 1.59 million short-stay parking sessions are made by diesel vehicles and hopes the new charge will discourage owners of them to use them in the area, in an effort to reduce air pollution.

Claudia Webbe, Islington Council’s executive member for environment and transport, said: “London is on the brink of an air-quality emergency, with traffic pollutants linked to health problems that are shortening the lifespans of residents.

“Islington straddles several major thoroughfares, with huge amounts of traffic putting out toxic diesel pollutants stopping in the borough every day.

“The main causes of death in Islington are cardiovascular disease, respiratory diseases and cancer – all of which are exacerbated by diesel emissions. It is not right that local residents should have to bear the burden of through-traffic pollution on their health.

“We hope that this measure will encourage owners of diesel vehicles to switch to cleaner, more sustainable modes of transport and lead to improved air quality in the borough.”

The news has not been without its critics, with some claiming the decision has been made with financial gains in mind rather than to combat pollution.

Nicholas Lyes, RAC public affairs manager said: “This move by Islington Council will further antagonise drivers of diesel vehicles in the borough who are already having to pay more for parking close to where they live.

“Those that rely on their own car – including families and small businesses – might dearly wish to switch to a new, cleaner vehicle but the cost of doing so is almost certainly what’s stopping them.

“Clearly, Islington Council feels compelled to do something to improve air quality in the borough, but targeting parked vehicles when other options may be available indicates they perhaps are more interested in raising revenue from diesel owners.”

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