Could heavier and more most polluting cars pay more for parking in major UK cities?

Drivers who own larger, heavier, and more polluting cars could end up paying more for parking in Bristol.

SUV drivers are the most likely target for the proposed ‘strategy’ from Bristol City Council.

It follows in the footsteps of nearby Bath and Lambeth in London, who have introduced similar schemes in recent years.

Although the plans are in the ‘very early stages’, there are also discussions to introduce a potential ban on pavement parking. This is something that has been introduced in parts of Scotland.

Regarding the parking fees, a Bristol City Council committee report stated: “The project will include outlining our strategy for managing on-street, off-street and resident parking scheme parking, including pricing strategy, demand management and variations on pricing categories, e.g. weight, emissions and size-based pricing.”

Following on from this, the committee also revealed that they will investigate whether it is feasible to introduce 'a gradual reallocation of kerbside space to sustainable modes of transport and alternative uses, e.g. tree planting, SUDs (sustainable drainage systems), cycle hangars and seating.'

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In Bath, owners of diesel vehicles and certain high-emission petrol cars face increased fees for using council-owned parking facilities in the city centre. Bath and North East Somerset (BANES) Council implemented this measure to promote a transition to cleaner, more sustainable transportation options.

When the initiative was launched last year, it was projected that 66 percent of car park users would incur higher parking fees—an approximate increase from £1.70 to £2.50 per hour.

Following the introduction in Bath, Bristol City Council began discussing the possibility of seeing it in parts of its city.

On October 24th 2024, councillors on the transport policy committee will vote on forming a task force in order to investigate potential options.

This group will hold a series of meetings, with the project anticipated to take a up to a year to complete.

Before anything becomes official, the public will be consulted on any suggested changes to parking regulations in the city.