Resident parking permit changes

Annual parking permit costs are due to change based on a vehicle’s emissions. The council has said the aim is to address climate change and help boost cleaner air. The new base cost for all cars stays the same, with engines under 1549cc, like a Renault Clio or Fiat 500 will be £140. For larger cars though with engines over 1549cc, like a Range Rover SDV6 with a 3.0-litre capacity, six-cylinder engine, will be charged £186. There will be a diesel surcharge of £60 and if you have a second car it will cost an extra £79. The changes come into force on 1st April. Check how much you will pay here www.rbkc.gov.uk/permit-calculator

This move has been questioned in some parts of Norland by those who feel people with older cars and those who cannot afford to upgrade to electric, are being unfairly taxed: One Norland resident, who asked not to be named, says: “Many people will have taken the Government’s advise a few years ago to buy diesel over petrol, when electric and hybrid were not readily available, and may not be able to afford to replace their vehicle yet, much as they may like to. So the proposals impact the poorer members of our ward more negatively than those better off who can afford to change their vehicle more regularly.”