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Richmond Council in southwest London is proposing to extend its ground-breaking CO2 related parking policy using new technology provided by RingGo. The change is one of a number of parking recommendations to go before the cabinet on 19 January. The proposals would see the most-polluting vehicles pay an extra 25% whereas the majority of motorists would be able to qualify for no increase or even a 25% reduction under the new Carbon-Metered parking offering. The initial scheme first introduced in April 2007 made headlines worldwide and has since been adopted by other local authorities. The latest proposals are being described as 'fairer and more efficient' and 'one of the most important decisions the council will take in 2009'. Talking about the latest proposals Cllr David Trigg, Cabinet Member for Traffic Transport and Parking on Richmond Council, said: "I see the extension of CO2 related parking policy as completing something we started two years ago. Because of technological advances it has now become possible to apply the same principles to everyone who parks in our borough - residents and visitors alike. This was not possible in 2007; now that it is, I believe the system will be both fairer and more efficient. "As part of our commitment to the environment the long term aim of this policy is to encourage people to use less-polluting cars. No one action will achieve this but I certainly believe local government has an important part to play and we know now that policies like this one do make most people think seriously about what they do." Leader of the Council Serge Lourie added: "This is one of the most important decisions we will take in 2009. However no final decision will be taken until we have considered the views of local people and others who visit our borough. "We need to be very clear. This will cost some motorists more to park on our streets and in our car parks. But the majority of drivers can avoid any increase and even get a discount by registering on line. "The good news is that there will be no increase in residents' and business parking permits this year. And even in our most expensive car parks the maximum charge will still be less than £2 per hour which is modest compared with charges in comparable visitor destinations around London. Therefore I do not envisage this policy will have any adverse effect on visitor numbers to our borough - which is vital for local businesses." |
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