Drivers of petrol and diesel vehicles in Reading face substantial increases to parking costs under new emission-based rules approved by the local council.
Council Decision and Implementation Timeline
Reading Borough Council made the decisive vote to introduce emission-based parking on Monday, November 17. If the plans receive final approval, motorists will see the new charging structure take effect by February 2026.
The council's documents reveal that vehicles emitting over 255 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre will bear the heaviest burden. A three-hour parking stay in the town's inner zone will double from £9 to £18 for these high-polluters.
Specific Cost Increases for Drivers
The detailed breakdown shows significant hikes across different parking durations. One-hour tickets will jump from £3 to £6, while two-hour tickets increase from £6 to £12 for vehicles in the highest emission bracket.
Petrol cars emitting 151 grams per kilometre or above will face a 20 per cent surcharge. Diesel vehicles within the same emissions range receive an even higher 25 per cent increase.
Council Justification and Public Response
Councillor John Ennis, Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport, defended the policy: "Although air quality in Reading is improving overall, there are areas of the town where pollution levels are too high. That affects the health of residents, particularly children, older people and individuals with heart and lung conditions."
He emphasized that transport accounts for approximately 30% of all carbon emissions nationally and noted that "many lower emission petrol cars, as well as electric vehicles, will avoid any extra charges."
However, critics have voiced strong opposition. A spokesperson for the Alliance of British Drivers told GB News: "Drivers are being targeted yet again. Emission-based pricing is just another way of making life harder for people who still rely on petrol or diesel. The council claims this is about the environment, but it looks a lot like revenue-raising."
GB News presenter Patrick Christys echoed these concerns, warning that "ordinary drivers are being squeezed from every angle, fuel duty, Ulez zones, and now parking taxes dressed up as green policy."
The council has initiated a formal consultation, giving residents opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed emission-based parking charges for both on-street parking and residents' permits.
