Eco scheme axed

12th July 2010

Britain’s first emissions-based parking charge scheme has been scrapped after only three years. Richmond Council in south-west London charged £300 a year
for a resident permit for cars emitting more than 255g/km of CO2 – six times the price for a sub 120g/km car.

However, ownership of cars in the highest tax bracket actually increased, prompting the new council to scrap the system, claiming that it had “utterly failed” to achieve its green objectives. 

When it was first launched, the scheme received the backing of London Mayor Boris Johnson, and inspired plans across the country, with authorities in York, Edinburgh and Brighton all imposing similar charges. Richmond Council is now looking at introducing a fairer system to reach its emissions targets.