Merton announce permit charges to stop 'polluting vehicles'

Merton council say the increased cost of parking permits are based on each vehicle's emissions - so that "everyone has cleaner air to breath."

Merton said the charges will target the most polluting cars, to encourage drivers to switch to "more sustainable" transport or lower emission vehicles.

It is believed that the parking permit will be the most expensive in the country, with a levy of £540 on the least environmentally friendly cars.

The announcement has caused outrage among residents - with many slamming the council for "targeting SW19."

Some residents have blasted the council for the charges, for those who simply don’t have a driveway - which people have said will largely affect disadvantaged residents.

Just a tax on those of us who don’t have our own driveway. We use our car as little as possible but will have to pay these charges whereas someone who uses their car more frequently but has a driveway won’t pay. How will this reduce pollution?

— Anne Fleming (@Mollyterrypippa) February 24, 2021

Diesel and older petrol vehicles already pay £150 in London - the additional charge could take it up to £690, with annual visitor permits in the borough also raised to £690.

The Council has estimated that the owner of a 2016 Ford Focus will be charged an extra £60 a year, whilst a permit for a 2015 Skoda Yeti would rise by £150 to £260.

It has been estimated that a 1999 Mercedes Benz E-class diesel permit will increase by £390 to £650.

@Merton_Council the parking charges increases are shocking for people on low incomes, these are the people who cannot afford electric cars or newer less polluting models, do u are pushing them even closer to poverty, disgusting

— . (@DAVIDFARRANT8) February 26, 2021

Mr Paul Biggs, an environment spokesman for the Association of British Drivers, told The Times: "We don't support parking charges being based on CO2 emissions any more than we would support a train ticket being based on shoe size.

Parking is a service and the charges should reflect the service provided."

In response, a spokesperson for Merton Council said the policy "sets prices to affect change."

The spokesperson said:"We are committed to improving air quality across Merton and to reduce levels of carbon dioxide, which is contributing towards climate change.

“Although Merton is the only borough in London to be served by trains, Trams, Underground and buses, almost half of journeys are made by car and many of these are for very short distances, which could be covered by bike or on foot.

Air pollution is the biggest environmental threat to health in the UK. More than 9,000 people die due to poor air quality in London every year. 

"The tragic death of 9-year-old Ella Kissi-Debrah from exposure to air pollution must serve as a reminder of our duty to improve the life chances of our residents, and this starts with tackling transport emissions, which account for approximately 60% of emissions of nitrogen dioxide in Merton.

This policy sets prices to affect change, whereby the decision about what type of car to own is influenced by price. This in turn is determined by the level of toxic emissions it emits.

“Approximately half of permit holders will see a reduction or no change to their charges as a result of this policy, with those owning cars that expose Merton residents to the highest levels of toxic pollution encouraged to switch towards less polluting vehicles and complete more local trips by sustainable modes of transport, like walking and cycling.”