Westminster to introduce diesel parking surcharge

Westminster City Council is to start charging drivers of diesel cars a parking surcharge of 50 per cent. The charge will be introduced for a trial period from April, with other local authorities expected to follow suit.

Drivers of diesel-powered cars and vans will pay an additional 50 per cent, which at current rates would be an extra £2.45 an hour to park on the street in Marylebone, one of the most polluted areas of the borough.

Resident permits in Marylebone will be unchanged; the charge will only apply in pay-to-park bays. Diesel cars will be paying 8p per minute to park in and around the area.

Cllr David Harvey, the Westminster city council cabinet member for the environment, sports and community, told the Guardian:

“Residents and visitors tell us all the time that air quality is a key concern in central London and we have consulted with our partners and local stakeholders on this practical step in improving our health and wellbeing.

“Additional charges for diesel vehicles will mean people think twice about using highly polluting cars and invest in cleaner transport that will make a real difference in the quality of air we breathe and our environment.”