Lambeth Council will introduce a new emissions based charging scheme for parking permits to “create a fairer, more equal borough”.
This will see people who own the most polluting vehicles charged extra to park across Lambeth in a bid to slash carbon dioxide emissions.
Any revenue generated from the parking permits will be invested into the provision of transport services, highway maintenance and environmental projects.
Around a quarter of Lambeth’s annual carbon emissions are from vehicles, even though car ownership levels are lower than in other London boroughs.
The new charging system will increase the number of parking bands from six to 13 and will judge vehicles on their emissions output and car tax band.
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It will also increase diesel surcharges for all permit types and residents and traders will see parking vouchers become more expensive for diesel vehicles.
Jemima Hartshorn, founder and director of Mums for Lungs, said: “We are delighted to see that Lambeth Council is recognising the huge damage cars, and especially diesel vehicles, are causing.
“Stunted and inflamed lungs, asthma, heart issues and cardiac issues are some of the illnesses linked to air pollution from transport, and this must be tackled.
“Lambeth is taking important steps by disincentivising parking and car ownership and thereby protecting children’s health.”
The council had previously announced that an innovative strategy would be implemented to reclaim public spaces used for parking and transform them into more eco-friendly areas.
A report published by Lambeth Council aimed to introduce proportional charges and “remove incentives to car use”.
It added: “Today, the true cost to society of private motor vehicle use, relative to other uses, is not reflected in the price of our parking.”
Lambeth’s Climate Action Plan aims to reduce vehicle journeys by 27 percent and increase active travel methods massively by the end of the decade.
This includes an 85 percent boost for walking, cycling and public transport use, with the borough aiming to be net zero by 2030.
Councillor Rezina Chowdhury, Lambeth Council deputy leader and Cabinet Member for Sustainable Lambeth and Clean Air, praised the work being done to reduce emissions.
She said: “We were the first London borough to declare a climate emergency, and we have set a target to slash our carbon emissions to make Lambeth a Net Zero Borough by 2030.
“This new emissions-based pricing structure, along with the forward-thinking Kerbside Strategy and our Air Quality Action Plan, will ensure Lambeth can continue to tackle toxic air and make our shared spaces fairer and more accessible.
“These changes will make our parking fees structure fairer and more reflective of the different levels of pollution produced by vehicles – and ensure those who pollute the most are charged the most to park.”
