Lambeth Council launches consultation on cost of parking

Lambeth Council has opened a consultation portal for residents to comment on changes to parking fees that will charge vehicles with higher emissions more than others.

As part of the policy, the council would increase the number of parking bands from six to 13 to reflect the impact of vehicle emissions on air quality.

Drivers would be charged according to the car tax band of their vehicle, which is based on the CO2 emissions it produces, for both on and off-street parking permits.

Cllr Rezina Chowdhury, cabinet member for Sustainable Lambeth and Clean Air, said: "These proposed changes will make our parking fees structure fairer and more reflective of the different levels of pollution produced by vehicles.

"We would like to link the amount drivers will pay to their car tax band. This way we can ensure those who pollute the most are charged the most to park.

"This consultation is an opportunity for people in Lambeth to share their views and ideas on the proposals, which will be crucial when we make a final decision."

The proposals would be brought in by a traffic order and would also increase diesel surcharges for all permit types and increase resident and trader parking voucher charges.

Lambeth Council has outlined measures to reduce the number of car journeys by 27 percent by 2030, while reclaiming a quarter of Lambeth's kerbside to allow for more communal spaces, parklets and climate resiliency measures.

The council has also recently adopted an Air Quality Action Plan 2023-25 to tackle the sources of pollution and poor air quality over the coming years.

Cllr Chowdhury added: "Air pollution kills around 100 residents every year and hospitalises a further 750. It is a risk for everyone in our borough but particularly for those with vulnerabilities including elderly people and children.

"Doing nothing is not an option. We need to take decisive action now in order for Lambeth to be a fairer, healthier and more climate resilient place to live and work for years to come."

Visit Lambeth Council's Consultation Page and fill out the short online survey before March 10.