Drivers of petrol and diesel vehicles in a major UK borough are set to face significantly higher parking costs under a new council crackdown aimed at cutting pollution.
New Emissions-Based Parking System
Reading Borough Council has confirmed it will introduce a new charging structure for on-street parking from February 2026. The system will directly link the cost of parking to a vehicle's official carbon dioxide emissions, meaning those with the most polluting cars will pay the most.
The Labour-led council stated the move is a key part of its strategy to tackle poor air quality, which is known to be adversely affected by vehicle emissions. A spokesperson explained the policy is designed to reduce overall reliance on private cars and encourage the use of alternative transport.
How the Surcharges Will Work
The scheme will apply to all on-street pay-and-display bays and parking permits, including those for residents. Initially, it will not cover council car parks or visitor permits for residents.
When using a pay-and-display machine or a pay-by-phone system, motorists will be required to enter their vehicle registration. The machine will then calculate the fee based on the CO2 emissions data held by the DVLA for road tax purposes.
The specific increases are substantial:
- Drivers of petrol cars will face a 20 per cent surcharge on standard on-street parking rates.
- Those with diesel vehicles will see an even higher 25 per cent increase.
These charges will be applied across different pricing bands, with higher-emitting vehicles incurring greater costs.
Aiming for a Carbon Neutral Future
The council has been clear that the changes are part of a longer-term vision. "The introduction of emissions-based charging will also assist the council in achieving its stated aim of being carbon neutral by 2030," a statement read.
Officials acknowledge that the new fees are unlikely to change behaviour overnight. Instead, they are intended to incentivise people to consider lower-emission options when purchasing their next vehicle or to think twice before using a car for short journeys.
This policy places Reading at the forefront of local authorities using financial levers to meet environmental targets, setting a potential precedent for other towns and cities across the UK.
