Introduction to emission based charging

From February 2026 the council is introducing emissions-based charging for on street car parking, so that those that drive the most polluting vehicles pay the most.

It has long been known that air quality is adversely affected by emissions from vehicles. Part of the council’s move to improve air quality is to reduce the overall reliance on the private motor vehicle. One way of encouraging motorists 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.

Emissions based charging is for on street pay and display parking bays and permits, including residents permits. At this time the scheme does not include car parks or visitor permits for residents.

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.