Statutory consultation for the introduction of emissions based charging for on-street pay and display parking

The Council is proposing to introduce emissions-based charging for car parking, so that those that drive the most polluting vehicles pay the most.

It has long been known that air quality is adversely affected by emissions from vehicles. Part of the council's move to improve air quality is to reduce the overall reliance on the private motor vehicle. One way of encouraging motorists to consider the alternative means of transport is through pricing. The introduction of emissions-based charging will also assist the council in achieving its stated aim of being carbon neutral by 2030.

It is not expected that these changes will change peoples' choices overnight. They are designed to encourage people to think about their choices when purchasing a new vehicle or making a short journey.

The proposal is for on street pay and display parking bays and permits, including residents permits but does not include car parks. Customers will be required to enter the vehicle registration into new pay and display machines, and charges will be based on the emissions data held by DVLA for road tax purposes. The scheme will also be applied to parking charges through the pay by phone system. Visitors permits are not included in the scheme at this time.

We would like to hear your views on the proposal and on sustainable travel more generally.

The consultation closes on 12th Sept.

Please contact PayandDisplayEBC.consultation@reading.gov.uk if you have any questions.

The proposals are set out in the Notice of Proposals and the consultation Draft Emissions Based Charging Order documents below. The other attachments provide the legal and historical context for the proposed changes and are all reference orders.