New Emissions Based Parking Charges Take Effect
Council says that 80% of drivers in the borough will see a reduction in cost
The new charges would apply only for parking using the Ringgo system
March 6, 2023
Drivers with older cars and diesels face face being charged double to park in Hammersmith and Fulham Council. The council has introduced new parking charge-bands which aim to encourage people to buy more eco friendly vehicles.
The hourly rate to park in the borough has been reduced from £5 an hour to £3.50 an hour for most drivers while electric vehicles will now be charged £2.50 an hour. But the most polluting car drivers will have to continue to pay the £5 hourly rate.
The new charges relate to how much carbon dioxide a car emits and there is a £1 surplus added on for diesel cars. The rates were introduced on March 1 and diesel drivers now have to pay £6 for an hour-long stay in the borough.
Hammersmith and Fulham Council estimate 80per cent of vehicles have now seen a decrease in charges. The parking policy was previously given the green light by the council’s cabinet on Monday, 9 January.
Councillor Sharon Holder, in charge of public realm, said, “We have listened and responded to residents who asked us to support them during the cost-of-living crisis. We are introducing new parking charge-bands based on vehicle emissions.”
She added, “This policy supports both our net carbon zero 2030 ambition and our Clean Air Neighbourhoods programme. The new banding will encourage the transition to electric and low-emission vehicles and it will maintain the policy targeted at non-residents who want to use the borough as a cheap car park.”
Hammersmith and Fulham have also added extra cheap parking bays to help shoppers. More parking bays in the borough will cost just 20p for half an hour. Emissions-based charges were first introduced by the borough during the Covid pandemic when motorists were avoiding public transport.
Parking charges were previously split into two charges and the council says its new fees will more clearly reward drivers who have made environmental choices.
Jacob Phillips - Local Democracy Reporter
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