Glasgow City Council cuts cost of carbon-based parking permits after public consultation

The cost of emissions-based parking permits in Glasgow has been cut for more polluting vehicles after public consultation — but many drivers will still face higher fees.

Glasgow City Council is working on the roll-out of a scheme which links a vehicle’s carbon emissions with the cost of a residential parking permit in 21 zones across the city.

Prices had been set to range from £80 to £300 per vehicle per year, but they have been reduced following a review. Under new plans, fees will still start at £80 and rise to £225.

Currently, residential parking permits in most zones are priced at £98 per year. In the city centre inner, they cost £328 while in the outer they are £196.

Four of five vehicle bandings — which are based on the amount of carbon produced per kilometre — have been cut, with some drivers now set to pay £95 less than previously mooted. The first carbon-based permits could be issued this summer.

Under the new plans, vehicles producing 0-50g/km will pay £80, those between 51-150g/km will pay £150, down from £180, and those producing 151-190g/km will be charged £170, down from £265.

Vehicles in the 191-225h/km band are expected to pay £195, down from £280, while the highest band of 226+ g/km is set at £220 rather than £300.

It is understood the same bands will be applied across the city.

The council believes the new approach can support the drive for more cleaner, low-emission vehicles in Glasgow. Private vehicles are currently the largest source of carbon emissions in the city’s transport system.

A spokesman said, “Linking parking costs to carbon emissions can support a shift to more sustainable forms of transport such as active travel, public transport, or low-emission private cars.”

He added: “Under these revised proposals, the cars that produce the most carbon will still pay the most for a residential parking permit.

“But we have taken on board the feedback received through the public consultation and have reviewed the costs set out in the proposed pricing structure.”

The five vehicle bandings are based on emissions-related information found in a vehicle’s DVLA registration document.

However, the proposed cost was consistently raised as an issue during a public consultation, which saw nearly 1,270 respondents.

There will be extra charges for residents who apply for multiple permits. Currently, just under 10,000 permits are in force in Glasgow.

Letters are being sent to people who responded to the consultation to inform them of the update. The switch to carbon-based permits was first set out in the city’s transport strategy, which aims to reduce car kilometres travelled in the city by 30% by 2030.

The council spokesman added: “Parking permits have a part to play by ensuring limited road space is shared as equitably as possible, and the use of vehicles doesn’t create barriers for others who wish to walk, wheel or cycle or travel by other more sustainable means.

“Parking controls can ensure residents park close to their homes while also helping to improve the flow of traffic through the roads network and supporting road safety for all road users.

“Like any traffic-related charge, any income goes to support the parking system itself but also a range of roads, transportation and other environmental initiatives.”

The council highlighted these types of permits have been adopted by almost 50 councils across the UK. It added only a small percentage of the 10,000 current permits would be charged at the upper band.