York proposes tightening emissions-based parking discount

City of York council is to review its policy of cheaper parking permits for residents driving low emission vehicles.

Planned changes will mean that the criteria for eligibility are tighter, with only vehicles classed as ‘ultra-low emission’ being eligible for the 50% discount. Councillors will make a full decision on the proposals at a meeting on Thursday (15 November).

York is propsing to tighten its parking discount for low emission vehicles

At present the local authority charges for residents’ parking (household permits) and car parking season tickets based on the emission rating and size of vehicles that produce less than 120g/km of CO2.

Discounted household permits currently cost £49.98 a year or £15.25 a quarter, against a standard cost of £99.95 a year or £30.50 a quarter.

Changes being proposed would see the discount offered only to vehicles which emit lower than 75g/km or less of CO2 — essentially those defined as ultra-low emission. Eligible vehicles would include fully-electric cars and some plug-in hybrid models.

Discount

If approved, the changes will be brought in from April 2019. It is thought that the changes could affect around 200 existing discounted season ticket holders and 1,100 discounted resident parking permit holders.

Cllr Peter Dew, executive member for transport said: “Whilst air quality has improved in York over the last seven years, we know there is still more to be done. Introducing these new changes will encourage residents and visitors to use vehicles which have a lower environmental impact.”

Cllr Andrew Waller, executive member for environment, added: “It is crucial that, as a council, we continue to utilise our powers to improve air quality and reduce pollution in the city. By reviewing our parking criteria, we can encourage more people to use low emission vehicles and avoid the vehicles that emit more pollution.

“Research shows that air pollution is connected with a wide range of adverse health conditions and that is why we are determined to improve the city’s air quality and build on the work we have already achieved.”