The council is proposing to introduce emissions-based charging for car parking, so that those that drive the most polluting vehicles pay the most. One way of encouraging drivers 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 not 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.
The council would like to hear your views on the proposal and on sustainable travel more generally. Please contact phil.grant@reading.gov.uk if you have any questions.
More details and a link to the survey are here. You will need a Reading Borough Council online account to do it, and the consultation closes on 30 March.