Emission-based parking charges recommended for approval

Plans to introduce emission-based parking charges in Reading are due to be discussed at a Council meeting later this month.

Emission-based charging (EBC) would see the owners of higher polluting vehicles paying more to park on-street in the borough.

Under the proposals, incremental tariffs of 20% for petrol and 25% for diesel vehicles would be added to each parking pricing band, based on the vehicle’s carbon dioxide emissions. However, importantly only vehicles which have emission levels of 151g/km (grams per kilometre) or above will be subject to the additional charges. This means many non-electric vehicles will also fall below the charging threshold and will not have to pay extra.

It is anticipated around 50% of cars will fall into the lowest category and see no extra charges and that a further 25% of cars will fall into the first band, resulting in a small increase.

Councillors agreed for the schemes to be implemented earlier this year subject to formal public consultations taking place. Consultations on the introduction of EBC for on-street pay and display parking and for permit parking were subsequently held between August and October.  

On Monday 17 November, members of the Policy committee will hear the results of the consultations. (https://reading.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=138&MId=5704) 

If approved, the Council would aim to introduce EBC on pay and display parking and permits in February 2026. The charges would not apply to off-street parking.

Several other local authorities around the country have already implemented similar schemes, including Lambeth, Lewisham, Westminster and Bath and Northeast Somerset, with positive impacts on air quality being demonstrated.

In Reading, the scheme would complement other transport projects to reduce air pollution, including investment in park and ride services and bus priority measures, promotion of active travel, such as cycling and walking, and a programme to install more on-street charging facilities for electric vehicles.

Motorists can check their vehicle’s emission data on the gov.uk website at: https://vehicleenquiry.service.gov.uk/.

Cllr John Ennis, Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport, said:

“Improving air quality in Reading is a high priority for the Council as pollution affects the health of residents, particularly children, older people and individuals with heart and lung conditions.

“We know that transport accounts for around 30% of all carbon emissions nationally and the Council is investing heavily in further improving public transport and encouraging cycling and walking in Reading, as well as introducing more electric vehicle charging points.

“Emission-based parking charges is another measure which can be used to help reduce air pollution, although it is worth emphasising that many petrol cars, as well as electric vehicles, would avoid any extra costs. Only the more polluting vehicles would pay the higher charges.”