Lambeth steps up clean air campaign

South London council revises emissions-based parking charges

Lambeth Council is introducing a new set of emissions-based charges for parking permits as part of its drive to improve air quality across the south London borough. The revised structure will ensure that drivers of vehicles that produce high levels of carbon dioxide vehicles will pay more to park across Lambeth.

Almost a quarter of Lambeth’s annual carbon emissions are linked to vehicles, despite lower car ownership levels compared to other London boroughs.

Lambeth said disadvantaged groups are even less likely to own a car, but more likely to be affected by the effects of car use such as poor air quality, climate change and road danger.

Any additional revenue generated through parking permits will be invested in helping fund activities including the provision of public transport services, highway maintenance and improvements, and environmental projects. The council said this will help sustain public transport fare concessions, including the Freedom Pass.

Lambeth will also promote low-cost active travel schemes including Try Before You Bike, cargo bike hire and child seats on bikes. Parents whose children receive free meals will be eligible for a discount.

The new charging system will increase the number of parking bands from six to 13, to reflect the impact of vehicle emissions on air quality. It means drivers will be charged according to the car tax band of their vehicle, which is based on the CO2 emissions it produces, for both on and off-street parking permits.

The new set-up, to be brought in by a Traffic Regulation Order, will also increase diesel surcharges for all permit types and increase parking voucher charges for residents and traders. Local residents were consulted on the changes as part of a statutory consultation earlier this year.

Details of the emissions-based charging system come after the

NHS Lothian supports Edinburgh LEZ

The City of Edinburgh Council is working with NHS Lothian to highlight the positive impact clean air can have on health and wellbeing.

A Low Emission Zone (LEZ) that restricts the most polluting vehicles from driving in the city centre was introduced in Edinburgh on 31 May 2022.

Vehicles must meet the minimum emissions standards to drive within the zone, though national exemptions apply including for Blue Badge holders and emergency vehicles. LEZ restrictions will apply to motor vehicles, except motorcycles and mopeds.

It is predicted that restricting the most polluting vehicles will significantly reduce harmful emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from vehicles by up to

50% within the LEZ.

Dona Milne, director of public health, NHS Lothian, said: “The links between transport and health are clear and the LEZ will help to improve health and wellbeing and reduce inequalities for the people of Edinburgh.

“Tackling air quality, alongside commitments in the City Mobility Plan and associated draft Action Plans, will have multiple benefits. Health and wellbeing will be improved as a result of reduced levels of air and noise pollution; improved road safety; more inclusive opportunities for people to travel by walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport; and the increased vibrancy of local communities and economies.” council announced a Kerbside Strategy that will reclaim public space currently taken up by parking. The council also plans to introduce climate resilient infrastructure including more trees and parklets.

Lambeth will build 25 new community parklets and is inviting residents to submit their designs to make streets greener and more pleasant public spaces.

Lambeth has spent £4.75m on its Highways Improvement Programme (HIP), completing over 25 schemes, and refurbishing some 78,000 square metres of carriageway. The council has also committed £16m to improving transport in the borough, including investment in active travel and better infrastructure.

Cllr Rezina Chowdhury, deputy leader and cabinet member for sustainable Lambeth and clean air, said: “We were the first London borough to declare a climate emergency, and we have set a target to slash our carbon emissions to make Lambeth a net zero borough by 2030. This new emissions-based pricing structure, along with the forward-thinking Kerbside Strategy and our Air Quality Action Plan, will ensure Lambeth can continue to tackle toxic air and make our shared spaces fairer and more accessible.

“These changes will make our parking fees structure fairer and more reflective of the different levels of pollution produced by vehicles – and ensure those who pollute the most are charged the most to park.”

Glasgow launches Low Emission Zone

A Low Emission Zone (LEZ) came into force in Glasgow city centre on 1 June.

The zone – which operates 24 hours a day – covers an area of the city centre bounded by the M8 motorway to the north and west, the River Clyde to the south and Saltmarket/High Street to the east.

Residents within the zone have been given a grace period until 1 June 2024 to meet LEZ requirements. The emission standard is:

• Euro 6/VI for diesel

• Euro 4/IV for petrol/gas vehicles

• Euro 3 for motorcycles and mopeds.

Suitably certified retrofitted or repowered vehicles – where the emission standards are confirmed to a Euro 6/VI equivalent – will also be LEZ compliant.

Fully electric vehicles meet LEZ requirements in Scotland.

Exemptions apply to: emergency vehicles; HM Coastguard vehicles; military vehicles; vehicles for disabled people (including Blue Badge holders); ‘historic vehicles’; and ‘showman’s vehicles’.

Motorbikes and mopeds are not included in the current LEZ schemes and no restrictions apply.

Non-compliant vehicles entering the LEZ are identified by using automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras.

When a non-compliant vehicle is detected in the zone, a penalty charge notice (PCN) will be issued to the registered keeper of the vehicle.