London’s Westminster City Council is planning to introduce a pilot program from April 3 this year to trial emissions-based charging for diesel cars parking in Marylebone area in London.
With this pilot program, the Westminster will become the first council in the UK to charge extra money from the drivers of diesel vehicles to park in an effort to curb pollution in the cities in the UK.
The Council says the new program is being introduced in response to residents’ concerns about air quality in Marylebone area.
Earlier this month, a new European study had revealed that modern diesel cars are producing 10 times more toxic air pollution than trucks and buses. According to researchers, the difference in emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) between two types of vehicles is because there are much stricter regulations in the EU for heavy duty vehicles than cars. Diesel cars have to meet only lab tests, and therefore produce much more NOx on actual roads.
NOx are released due to burning of fossil fuels or from motor vehicle exhaust. Every year, thousands of people in Europe die because of NOx pollution, with the UK suffering a specifically high toll. Diesel cars, which are very popular in the EU, contribute immensely to these toxic emissions in Europe.
The new study, carried out by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), showed that buses and trucks tested in Finland and Germany emitted about 210mg NOx per kilometer driven, compared to 500mg/km produced by diesel cars meeting “Euro 6” emission standards. Because engines of buses and trucks are larger and burn more diesel per kilometre, it means diesel cars actually produce about 10 times more NOx per litre of fuel.
The trial in Marylebone will start from 3 April 2017 and will involve applying surcharge for pay-to-park bays during normal parking hours, specifically within F zone for diesel cars (50 per cent to the current rate of £4.90 per hour in F Zone). While visitors into Marylebone will pay surcharges, the resident permits will remain unchanged. Currently, visitors can Park and Pay per minute up to a maximum of 240 minutes, meaning diesel car owners will pay 12p per minute to park their vehicles.
Marylebone is one of the most polluted areas in London. Its location between major transport routes, in addition to several other factors, contributes to air quality problem at this place. Nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter levels at Marylebone often exceed recommended health levels. The primary aim of the ‘polluter pays’ principle is to cut pollution level in Marylebone. According to authorities, the money raised through new program will be spent to promote sustainable transport in the city.
“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,” said Cllr David Harvey, cabinet member for environment, sports and community.
“We have had a positive impact and reduced vehicle emissions through our anti-idling campaign days and by encouraging sustainable and active travel,” he added.
Harvey believes applying surcharges on diesel vehicles will force people to “think twice about using highly polluting cars” in cities, and that will “make a real difference in the quality of air we breathe and our environment.”
Local stakeholders and partners within the Marylebone Low Emission Neighbourhood, including the three business improvement districts (BIDs) have stated their support for the pilot program.
“As one of the three Business Improvement Districts in the Low Emission Neighbourhood, Marble Arch London is committed to improving air quality locally,” said Kay Buxton from the Marble Arch BID.
“We welcome Westminster’s first step to addressing air pollution through differential parking charges and hope to see a resultant behaviour change across the Neighbourhood, with people choosing not to bring diesel vehicles into the area,” he added.
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