Parking permit prices in Hammersmith and Fulham increased after a decade, causing residents to petition the council.
The council implemented these changes last October, marking the first increase since 2012. The Labour council aims to reduce high-emission vehicles. However, Councillor Jose Afonso disagrees with the price hikes, accusing the council of using residents for revenue.
The council changed permit charges last year, now linking the price to vehicle emissions, with diesel cars costing more. Second cars also incur added fees, and electric vehicle permits, once free, now require payment.
Previously, permits cost £119 annually, with lower emission vehicles paying £60 and second cars £497. Electric cars had free permits. Now, annual fees range from £125 to £340, depending on vehicle emissions, with diesel and extra vehicles costing more.
Council Leader Stephen Cowan supports the change, stating it helps meet climate goals. Stefan du Maurier started a popular online petition as people posted online against the fees.
Over 600 signed the petition on Change.org, while the council’s website had fewer signatures. It passed 250 signatures, requiring a cabinet debate. Reaching 5,000 signatures means a full council debate. The petition concludes on May 10.
The petition demands reducing permit costs to match inflation from 2012, approximately £168. It also seeks established rules for future price changes regarding parking permits.
Councillor Afonso opposes the increases, believing Labour financially hurts residents. He thinks EVs should also not face penalties. He believes the policy hurts families who need cars for essential purposes.
Councillor Sharon Holder defends the change, stating permit costs remained frozen for thirteen years. The new costs address air pollution issues, charging higher fees for more polluting vehicles.
Hammersmith and Fulham struggle with poor air quality, as toxic air causes deaths in London with road pollution exacerbating the problem. Therefore, she contends the council is compelled to act to safeguard public health.
Parking revenue can only fund road work projects and transportation improvements. Therefore, the new permit charges differ from a cash grab and are similar to emission-based schemes utilized by other councils for similar purposes.