Petrol and diesel drivers face most expensive parking permits under new 'money-grabbing scheme'
Glasgow City Council will consult on CO2 parking permits
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Drivers have been warned of new emission-based parking permits which could be launched in a major city costing up to £300 a year.
The parking permits have been proposed by Glasgow City Council which would see higher polluting vehicles charged more to park in the region and would follow similar measures seen in Edinburgh.
Under the scheme, the council would introduce five bandings for vehicles with prices varying depending on the band and how much pollution the vehicles create.
The permits are expected to range from £80 to £300 a year for the higher band with the council stating that the new prices hope to encourage more drivers to purchase cleaner vehicles.
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Glasgow Council will issue parking permits in 21 different zones
PADrivers of electric cars for example would be provided with greater discounts for parking permits while petrol and diesel owners would face harsher charges.
The council told GB News: “These proposals have successfully completed the first phase of the traffic regulation order process and we can now move forward to receive views from the wider public on Friday, October 4.
“The possible introduction of carbon-based parking permits was originally put forward in Glasgow’s Transport Strategy as a way to support a shift to more sustainable forms of transport.”
Glasgow is aiming to slash transport emissions to be net zero by 2030, with parking permits deemed to "have a part to play" by ensuring "the use of vehicles doesn’t create barriers for others who wish to walk, wheel or cycle or travel by other more sustainable means".
However, the move has not been met with support by drivers with a petition now circulating calling for the immediate removal of the parking measure.
The petition led by Khalid Khan stated that the proposed pricing structure is “unjust and disproportionately burdens” owners of older cars.
He warned that shifting from a universal flat fee to an environmentally-tiered price system would largely impact low-income families who can't afford to upgrade to eco-friendly models.
He said: “We must ensure that the measures we take towards protecting our environment do not inflict financial hardship on our community members who are already struggling. Demand our local government to reassess this biased pricing structure and develop a more equitable solution. Your support can sway the decision. Please, sign this petition today.”
The parking measure would affect 21 zones operating across the city and would act as another deterrent for petrol and diesel drivers on top of the existing Low Emission Zone.
Taking to social media, someone shared: “What the hell has CO2 emissions got to do with parking your car? Just another money-grabbing scheme that will hit the lowest income families as they can't afford to buy new cars.”
However, another person stated that this is the outcome when a “minority gets away with ignoring every rule and treats it as not applicable to them, the rest will suffer for it as well”.
The person added: “Blocking traffic, access, treating it as an entitlement to do so. GCC are taking the easy way out, but everything else fails. They still ignore where they are not permitted to park.”
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The council hopes the measures will encourage greener travel
GETTYAnother person added: "Well isn't this an absolute joke. Can't say I've seen any improvement in the parking system or the roads! Also, I very rarely can get parked near my home! As for the flow of traffic being improved, try driving round the streets of Partick, especially down Hyndland Street!"