Scottish vote in higher parking charges for most polluting cars in Edinburgh

Recently, local residents responded by more than three to one in favour of an initiative designed to encourage the use of more climate friendly vehicles and discourage gas guzzlers.

After several years of effort, We Are Futureproof has helped to push through CO2-based parking charges in Scotland's capital. Permit holders with the most polluting vehicles will see their charges double from the current £160 a year to £320. Drivers of the least polluting vehicles will see their permit prices fall from £80 to just £15.

Despite predictable howls of outrage from the local press, and sour grapes from the Tories, Edinburgh's Lib Dem-SNP led Council will push ahead with these charges, having secured the resounding support of 73% of the public in its 'Park Green' consultation.

Green Councillor Steve Burgess, who joined us for our Edinburgh launch in November 2006, initially proposed the scheme. He said: "I am delighted with the public response to this consultation. This is not about fat-cat charges, it is a charge aimed at reducing pollution levels."

This will be the first CO2-based parking charges scheme in Scotland. Let's hope that other places will now follow Edinburgh's lead.

You can read more here.

Gregory Norminton, for We Are Futureproof in Edinburgh

Richmond extends higher parking charges for most polluting cars

In a welcome move, Richmond has extended it's variable CO2-based parking charges to all car parks and parking spaces in the London borough.

Charges will rise by 25% for vehicles producing more than 180g of CO2 per km, and reduced for the cleanest cars.

BBC News transport correspondent Tom Symonds said the move "is the most radical attempt so far to link parking charges to carbon emissions. "

In a recent RAC poll, drivers overwhelmingly favored higher penalties for the most polluting cars, while they also welcomed more incentives for less polluting cars.

Blake, for the Alliance

New video - Sindy - the 4x4 climate criminal

View our new video of Sindy - A Climate Criminal.

Many people will remember the UK version of the Barbie Doll. In this video, Sindy drives a pink Land Rover. Watch to see how she responds when she is confronted with facts about her 4x4.

Blake, for the Alliance