Overview of Changes to Parking Charges
As part of our Parking Strategy (approved July 2024), Hounslow proposed changes to the way we charge for Council-owned car parks, on-street parking spaces, and for parking permits. The new system, which is aimed at improving air quality and promoting cleaner, more sustainable transport, will expand the use of emissions-based parking charges from Friday 28, February 2025.
What are emissions-based parking charges?
Emissions-based parking charges means charging for parking based on the vehicle’s level of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions. The less polluting a vehicle is, the less the user pays for parking.
What exactly is changing as part of this current phase?
Hounslow already applies emissions-based parking charges for on and off-street PayByPhone parking, based on a three-band system: zero, low, and other emissions.
As part of this update:
- Expansion of bands: The number of emissions-based charging bands will be expanded to more accurately reflect the various levels of emissions produced by vehicles.
- Application to permits: Emissions-based charges will now apply to resident and business parking permits, in addition to the existing charges for on- and off-street parking.
- Diesel surcharge: A surcharge for diesel vehicles is being introduced for on and off street parking, in addition to the existing surcharge for resident parking permits.
- Motorcycles: At this stage, there are no changes planned for motorcycles. However, this will be subject to a separate consultation in the coming months.
The statutory consultation process required to introduce these changes concluded successfully on the 22/11/24, with no objections raised. As a result, the Traffic Management Orders (TMOs) will be sealed, and the new emissions-based parking charges will come into effect on the 28/02/25.
How does it work?
The amount you pay for parking or permits will depend on your vehicle’s CO2 emissions and fuel type. You can check your vehicle’s emissions by visiting the DVLA website and entering your registration number. This information is also included on the V5C certificate (vehicle log book). This will show the relevant CO2 emissions details for your vehicle and determine which charging ‘band’ it falls within, as set out in the table below.
Parking charges will be displayed when using the PayByPhone app, contactless terminals, or PayPoint machines.
When applying for a parking permit online, the new prices will come into effect from 28 February 2025.
The new emissions bands are outlined below:
|
Hounslow Emissions Band |
Vehicle CO2 emissions |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0g/km |
|
2 |
1 to 75g/km |
|
3 |
76 to 100g/km |
|
4 |
101 to 130g/km |
|
5 |
131 to 170g/km |
|
6 |
171 to 225g/km |
|
7 |
Over 226g/km |
The table of new changes can be found here (for resident parking charges, season tickets, business permits and on street pay-by-phone charges) and here (for off-street pay-by-phone charges).
Supporting a Greener Hounslow
The updated charging structure supports the objectives outlined in the Parking Strategy (July 2024), which provides a boroughwide vision for parking management. The strategy carefully balances parking priorities with the need to work towards delivery of a healthier, greener, and safer Hounslow while ensuring the Council can effectively manage existing and future demand for parking.
The introduction of emissions-based parking charges is part of the Council’s wider efforts to:
-
Reduce harmful pollutants.
-
Encourage a shift to cleaner vehicles for those who cannot use alternative modes of transport.
-
Support the Council’s climate change goals.
-
Improve overall quality of life in the borough.
We encourage all residents to familiarise themselves with the new charging structure and check the emissions of their vehicles. Together, we can make a difference by reducing pollution and creating a greener Hounslow for future generations.
Next Steps
The Traffic Management Orders (TMOs) will be sealed in February 2025, and the new emissions-based parking charges will thereafter go live on 28/02/2025.
Stay updated by visiting the Council’s website or social media channels.
If you have any additional questions, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) or contact the Council’s Transport and Parking team at Traffic@hounslow.gov.uk
