Reading Borough Council’s Labour administration is moving ahead with introducing higher parking charges in an effort to improve air quality and encourage alternative transport methods.
Drivers of vehicles with higher emissions would have to pay more for council car parks and for on-street parking permits outside of their homes.
A statutory consultation into the change is currently live on the council’s ‘Go Vocal’ website.
READ MORE: Councillors vote to move ahead with plan to charge drivers more to park in Reading
The survey begins with asking respondents whether they are concerned about the impacts of air quality on their health and that of family members.
People are then asked whether they agree with the statement that the council should encourage motorists towards more sustainable and active modes of transport such as walking, cycling, and public transport, which it states ‘positively contribute towards improved air quality and public health’.
The survey also asks whether people value the cost or convenience when they travel.
With each question where the council is seeking an opinion, responses range from strongly agree to strongly disagree or ‘don’t know’.
The consultation then asks respondents how often they drive, whether the car is petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric, and the main purpose for travel, such as work or leisure.
There are also opportunities for respondents to make written responses to the issues raised.
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You can take part in the consultation on the Go Vocal website.
Encouraging participation, John Ennis (Labour, Southcote), lead councillor for climate strategy and transport, said: “Air pollution is still a problem in parts of Reading and it is only right that the council takes action to improve the situation for the health and wellbeing of its residents.
“Transport accounts for around 30 per cent of all carbon emissions nationally and emission-based parking charges is just one way the council is seeking to encourage the use of low or no emission vehicles, public transport, cycling and walking.
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“The council is putting major investment into public transport and active travel schemes and believes higher parking charges for more polluting vehicles is another incentive for people to consider more sustainable ways of travelling.
“Now, we are keen to hear what Reading residents and visitors to the town think of this scheme, and on sustainable travel more generally, with the launch of a public consultation.”
The survey is due to close on Sunday, March 30. The results will be reported back to councillors for approval.
Emissions-based parking charges could be introduced as early as next month.