Hounslow Council is expanding emissions-based parking charges in Council operated car parks, on-street parking spaces, and for parking permits from Friday, 28 February 2025.
Published: Monday, 10th February 2025
This move forms part of the Council’s recently approved Parking Strategy, which is aimed at improving air quality and promoting cleaner, more sustainable transport within the borough which, in turn, contributes to better health and wellbeing for residents.
Emissions-based parking considers a vehicle’s environmental impact, and parking charges are calculated based on a vehicle’s level of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions. The new system introduces seven ‘bands’ – previously three ‘bands’ – to better reflect the level of CO2 emissions produced by different vehicle types. This means vehicles producing lower emissions pay less than more polluting vehicles.
The amount people pay for parking will also depend on their vehicle’s fuel type. Diesel vehicles release more CO2 emissions than petrol vehicles and, as such, a surcharge for diesel and diesel-hybrid vehicles is being introduced.
As part of the changes, these charges will now apply to resident and business parking permits, in addition to on- and off-street parking. At this stage, there are no changes planned for motorcycles. However, this will be subject to a separate consultation in the coming months.
Drivers will be able to see the emissions-based charges immediately when paying for parking through the PayByPhone system, contactless terminals, and PayPoint machines. They can also check their vehicle’s emissions to determine which charging ‘band’ their vehicles falls within by entering their vehicle registration number on the DVLA website.
These changes follow an extensive consultation with residents and businesses to ensure a fair, balanced approach. Similar schemes have been successfully introduced in other London boroughs.
Residents can check the new charges chart to prepare ahead.
Councillor Shivraj Grewal, Hounslow Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Recycling and Transformation, said: “Our ambition is to create a cleaner, greener, and healthier Hounslow for everyone, including future generations. Air quality in our borough is a big issue and we need to take bold action to tackle pollution.
“This initiative is a cornerstone to our plan to further encourage the use of cleaner vehicles and reduce pollution in the borough. By introducing lower fees for low-emission vehicles, we are helping residents make more sustainable choices while taking real action to tackle air pollution.”
Hounslow Council are continuing to expand car clubs, dockless e-bike and e-cargo hire schemes, and on-street cycle parking to support and encourage affordable, sustainable alternatives to travel around the borough.
