Diesel owners have been solely targeted with increased parking fees across a major London borough under new changes this month.
From March 1, diesel owners have been forced to pay a 25 percent surcharge for using on-street parking bays across Haringey Council.
Councillors have introduced the added fees after local residents demanded tougher action on higher polluting vehicles on the roads.
However, AA spokesman Luke Bosdet has branded the scheme an “environmental own goal” as residents get creative to dodge the added fees.
Residents are apparently converting their gardens into parking spaces which has led to a loss of green spaces across the area.
According to the Telegraph, Luke said: “Councils across London have seized the opportunity to guzzle cash from residents who have no option but to park on the street outside their homes.
“Diesel cars have been a regular target and, with a dwindling pool of such vehicles, councils have decided to increase parking costs to keep the money rolling in – dressing up the move as an environmental measure.”
However, Haringey Council have stressed the added charge was necessary due to environmental concerns. They claim the charges show the council’s commitment to “prioritise health and wellbeing of residents”.
They pointed out that diesel emissions can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and lung issues.
Haringey is not the first London borough to target combustion vehicles as more authorities clamp down on motorists.
Lambeth Council has added £100 per year to the cost of parking permits while Greenwich has also issued higher fees for those with polluting models.
Owners of the most highly combustion vehicles are charged £7 an hour in Greenwich compared to just 70p for some low-emission models.
Cllr Mike Hakata, Deputy Leader of the council and Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Environment, and Transport backed the new update.
“Our borough is home to nearly 300,000 residents and by taking decisive action to enhance air quality, we are not only safeguarding the environment but also prioritising the health and wellbeing of our residents – particularly those living above shops along our high streets.
“Haringey is a borough full of opportunities and talent – we want to ensure this continues and give people every chance to flourish.
“Therefore, it is vital that we invest in our community and their health and act fast where necessary. We hope this initiative will make people think twice about using diesel vehicles.
“This is just another step forward in our commitment to tackling the concerning rise in chronic respiratory conditions such as COPD and asthma. Together, we can help build a better, healthier and more sustainable Haringey.”
