GAS-GUZZLERS FEEL PARKING CHARGES PAIN IN ISLINGTON COUNCIL PERMIT SCHEME

Published: 31st December, 2010
by PETER GRUNER

DRIVERS of gas-guzzling cars are being hit by a massive increase in parking permit charges as Islington turns the screw on its worst polluters.

Fees for vehicles with big engines will almost double while owners of environmentally-friendly cars will see their parking costs reduced.

The new sliding scale based on CO2 emissions – coming into effect on Monday – is part of wider plans to allow all Islington permit-holders the freedom to park anywhere in the borough.

But owners of big cars believe they are being unfairly targeted and Islington’s Chamber of Commerce – representing businesses across the borough – has warned that small traders could lose out.

Keith McDowall, a retired newspaper columnist who lives in Barnsbury, received a letter before Christmas informing him his annual parking fee was rising from £256 to £391 – even though he hardly ever uses his 1998 4-litre Jaguar.

He said: “First, they announced permit holders will be allowed to park on any bays in the borough. I thought that’s a good thing. Then when I turned the letter over I realised it was all a slimy way of informing us that parking charges are going up.

“I only use the car on proper journeys, mainly to see an elderly sister, so it pollutes very little compared to a small run-around in daily use. Why am I being penalised?”

His car has 60,000 miles on the clock and averages about 4,000 miles a year. 

Under the changes, parking permits for cars with band F engines – with emissions of 186-225g per kilometre – will rise from £160 to a top £300. Band G engines – the worst polluters with more than 256g per km – will have to pay £391. But drivers of band C vehicles – emitting 121-150g per km – will see annual charges reduced from £55 to £35.

Dave Barnes, of Islington Taxpayers’ Alliance, said: “Islington motorists are being fleeced in an effort to raise money for the council.”

Ronke Lawal, chief executive of Islington’s Chamber of Commerce, warned that, rather than help shops and firms, the scheme will further reduce essential parking outside their premises. “Many small firms could be hurt because residents taking advantage of free parking may not actually use the local businesses,” she said.

Lib Dem councillor Greg Foxsmith said: “People say it will be just like the bad old days when commuters parked outside homes nearest to Tube stations like Archway.” 

But a council spokesman said: “Overall pricing for residents’ permits has not changed for 10 years, while costs of running the scheme have risen.” The changes were designed to encourage the use of less-polluting vehicles and to make things easier for permit holders by allowing them to park anywhere in the borough. “It isn’t about making money,” he added.