25.10.17
Edinburgh proposes diesel car parking charge
The City of Edinburgh Council has proposed a specialised parking charge for diesel cars.
A three-month consultation period will be held on the issue to give residents a chance to put forward their own thoughts.
The council argue that diesel cars are more suited to long distance travel and should not be used within city limits. It has proposed a surcharge which would increase existing parking permit costs for specific drivers.
Recent evidence suggests the engines can contribute to poor air quality when they are used in a high concentration such as a city. This can lead to a range of health problems including heart attacks, breathing issues and even lung cancer.
“Evidence is mounting that diesel emissions are causing serious health problems and worsening air quality in cities across the globe and many cities are already taking steps to combat this,” said transport convener, Cllr Lesley Macinnes.
“We’re keen to see what people in Edinburgh think of the idea of adding a surcharge to residents’ parking permits for diesel vehicles. I’d urge everyone to take a few minutes to complete the online consultation and to let others know about it as well.”
Edinburgh is attempting to follow in the footsteps of other major cities, such as Madrid and Mexico, who have both pledged to ban diesel cars in their centres by 2025. In addition, at least nine of London’s boroughs have already introduced a parking surcharge for diesel drivers.
The plans follow London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s new policy which adds a £10 charge onto drivers whose vehicles do not meet Euro-4 emission standard in the city centre.
Consultation on Edinburgh Council’s plans closes on 28 January 2018.
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