NEW data has revealed that thousands of drivers are being charged up to £250 to park outside their own homes under controversial rules.
The move has been slammed as a local council ‘cash grab’ targeting motorists.
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Diesel drivers already face higher pump prices and the sting of environmental levies.
But now, thousands across the UK are also being clobbered by parking surcharges spirally into the hundreds.
An investigation from the PA news agency found that on-street parking permits for diesel motors were significantly more expensive than for petrol equivalents in more than 20 local authority areas.
Councils insist that the charges are linked to higher nitrogen oxide emissions from diesel vehicles and are designed to encourage the use of cleaner motors in a push for better air quality.
But motoring groups like The AA have slammed the measures as a “cash grab” by councillors.
London was by far the worst city for diesel drivers, with 18 of the capital’s 32 boroughs imposing extra parking charges.
Of these Hackney, which has had a Labour majority council since 2002, exacted the highest price with diesel permits costing a whopping £250 more than the petrol versions.
It was closely followed by Islington at £220, with Merton’s £150 rounding out the top three.
Other top premiums could be found in Brent, Camden and Lambeth, which all exceeded £100.
Barnet Council asked for the lowest charge but still wanted drivers to cough up an extra £12.20 a year if they use diesel.
Outside of London, similar measures have been brought in by a trio of authorities.
Bath and North East Somerset Council demands an extra £50 while the City of Edinburgh sets the same price.
Both, though, were exceeded by the charges from Brighton and Hove City Council which stand at £62.05.
Luke Bosdet, motoring policy spokesman for The AA, said: “Influencing vehicle ownership towards greener alternatives is done evenly through national taxation, such as vehicle excise duty or company car tax.
“National car taxes ensure that all drivers are treated equally and are rewarded or penalised for their choice of vehicle.
“Diesel surcharges imposed by councils discriminate against residents who have to park their cars on the street outside their homes, while their neighbours with driveways and off-street parking can have whatever vehicle they want.
“Ramped-up parking permit costs are simply a council cash grab.”
However, Darren Rodwell from the Local Government Association, the body which represents councils in England and Wales, defended the measures.
He added: “It is a matter for each council, based on local factors, on how they may wish to improve air quality and reduce pollution, which could include diesel surcharges for residential parking permits.”
And a spokesperson for list-topping Hackney Council said: “London’s toxic air is causing a public health crisis and we know that the increased particulate emissions from diesel vehicles can lead to serious health conditions.
“That’s why we introduced a diesel surcharge in 2015, which is encouraging people to switch to cleaner vehicles.”
