Frequently Asked Questions: Emissions-Based Parking Charges
1. What are the proposed emissions-based parking charges and how are they different from the current charges?
The proposed emissions-based parking charges are outlined in detail in this report below. It should be noted that charges for Band 4 (101-130 g/km) generally correspond with current standard charges.
2. If approved, when will the new charges come into effect?
The statutory consultation on the proposed changes to emissions-based charging starts on Friday 18 October 2024 and this will run until 22 November 2024. The Council will then need to review the responses received, and if there are objections, consider these as part of a report to the Cabinet or Chief Officer. If it is decided to proceed, consideration will also be given to the timing for the introduction of any changes. This will be announced via the Council’s website and social media channels. Motorists are also encouraged to check the Council’s website for updates and detailed information on how any changes to emissions-based charging may be implemented.
3. How will the revenue from the emissions-based charges be used?
Any surplus income from parking charges is governed by section 55 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. Once the need for provision of on- and off-street parking facilities has been met, income can be reinvested in public transport services, road and other environmental improvements.
As set out in the Parking Strategy Cabinet report, subject to there being sufficient surplus income available, a priority for use of this funding will be to deliver an annual programme of improvements to work towards achieving the Parking and Kerbside Strategy objectives.
4. How do the planned charges compare to other boroughs?
A benchmarking exercise was undertaken to compare the Council’s parking charges with neighbouring and other outer London boroughs, as well as at privately managed car parks. This showed that Hounslow has some of the lowest resident parking permit charges per year for a first ‘standard’ vehicle (i.e. not zero/low emission). Most London boroughs have also introduced charges for electric vehicles.
5. Does this include motorcycles?
Emissions-based parking charges can be applied to all motorised vehicle types including cars, vans and motorcycles and this has been included as an action within our Parking Strategy. However, at this stage, the plans to change emissions-based parking charges do not include motorcycles. Further consultation on motorcycle parking charges will be undertaken in the coming months to help inform the detail of these proposals.
6. What previous consultation was held on these planned changes?
The Parking and Kerbside Strategy Consultation was held between 10 September to 20 December 2023. It included a mixture of in-person and on-line meetings and events, with over 20 events attended and two Q&A sessions. The consultation was promoted using the Council’s communications channels, and engaged residents, businesses and visitors to understand what facilities they would like to see at the kerb to create healthier and more attractive places for everyone. All comments received were collated and presented to the Council for consideration. The consultation report is published under Question 7 below.
The online survey received a total of 293 responses. Key consultation results pertaining to emissions-based charges are summarized below:
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Support for all vehicles paying: 58% agreed all vehicles, including electric vehicles, should pay to park compared to 31% who disagreed
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Impact of poor air quality: 49% worry about the impact of poor air quality on their children or family’s health, compared to 28% who disagree).
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Agreement over emissions-based parking: 45% agree what people pay to park should be in-line with how much pollution their vehicle makes, compared to 11% who were neutral and 43% who disagree.
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Expanding emission tiers: when we explained that we propose to expand the number of tiers, reflecting the differing levels of emissions produced by different types of vehicles, 28% are happy, 24% are neutral, and 47% are unhappy. Greater levels of support were reported by respondents under the age of 50; 66% said the statement makes them feel very happy / happy (41%) or neutral (25%), compared to 34% who said they feel unhappy or very unhappy.
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Diesel surcharge: 29% were happy with a diesel surcharge, compared to 49% unhappy.
7. Where can I find the relevant Cabinet Report?
The Parking Strategy was approved at Cabinet on 16 July 2024. The Cabinet Report and appendices can be viewed online (see item 14).
This report contains the full Parking Strategy (Appendix 1), consultation report (Appendix 2), approval of the updated parking fees and permits schedule (Appendix 3), and an EQIA (Appendix 4). Links are provided below.
