Reading is set to hike parking fees for drivers of more polluting cars, aiming to improve air quality and generate revenue for the council
Reading: The council is planning to raise parking fees for drivers of more polluting cars. This idea came from their transport strategy for 2040, which was approved last year.
The Labour council believes that these increased fees will help improve air quality and bring in more money. Once the changes kick in, they’ll affect both on-street parking and residential permits.
Drivers of petrol and diesel cars will see at least a 20% hike in their parking costs. For instance, if you drive a Vauxhall Astra, you’ll pay £1.20 for an hour of parking. But if you’re behind the wheel of a supercharged Range Rover, it’ll cost you £3.40.
John Ennis, the lead councillor for climate strategy, is excited about these changes. He mentioned that all elected officials signed a climate emergency declaration back in 2019, and this is part of their plan to reach net zero by 2030.
He emphasized that this isn’t about getting rid of cars altogether but encouraging less reliance on them when possible. It’s all part of a broader effort to promote active travel.
Meanwhile, Cllr Anne Thompson from the Liberal Democrats thinks it’s a great idea, especially since Bath and North East Somerset had success with a similar plan. However, she’s not a fan of removing the free 30-minute parking at out-of-town car parks.
On the other hand, Cllr Rob White, the opposition leader, supports the idea but feels the timeline is too tight for drivers to switch to lower-emission vehicles. He suggested giving residents more notice to prepare for the changes.
Lastly, Cllr Raj Singh from the Conservatives raised concerns that these new fees will hit lower-income residents the hardest. The policy committee has agreed to start a six-week consultation on these changes, which are set to roll out in April.
