RAC comments on Islington Council's plans to charge drivers who park diesel vehicles

Commenting on news that Islington Council in London is to introduce a diesel surcharge for short stay parkingRAC public affairs manager Nicholas Lyes said: 

“This move by Islington Council will further antagonise drivers of diesel vehicles in the borough who are already having to pay more for parking close to where they live. Those that rely on their own car – including families and small businesses – might dearly wish to switch to a new, cleaner vehicle but the cost of doing so is almost certainly what’s stopping them.

“Clearly, Islington Council feels compelled to do something to improve air quality in the borough, but targeting parked vehicles when other options may be available indicates they perhaps are more interested in raising revenue from diesel owners. Unfortunately for them though, emissions of nitrogen dioxide don’t just come from private cars, they come from buses and taxis and other sources such as factories. And of course, replacing older buses and encouraging newer, cleaner private hire vehicles both fall under Transport for London’s remit.

“What’s more, imposing additional penalties on diesel vehicles could also inadvertently force people into petrol cars which we know is bad from a greenhouse gas point of view.

“Transport for London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) will eventually cover a wide geographical area, including Islington, and arguably this is a more sensible way to target the most polluting vehicles which are driving around the impacted area.”

Press office team

Press office team

For journalist enquiries only

Share

Latest stories

Website preview
Pump prices creep back up despite no change in the cost of oil
September sees August price reduction reverse as petrol and diesel rise by a penny
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
Margins on fuel remain historically high - RAC reaction
Following the publication of the latest road fuel update report from the Competition and Markets Authority, RAC head of policy Simon Williams said:
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
RAC reacts to latest road casualty data for Great Britain
On average, four people killed and 76 seriously injured on the roads every day
media.rac.co.uk

Get updates in your mailbox

By clicking "Subscribe" I confirm I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy.

About RAC Media Centre

The RAC Media Centre provides journalists and news outlets with the latest motoring-related news, comment, data and research.

The RAC is an iconic UK brand, and provides complete peace of mind to 15 million UK private and business drivers - whatever their motoring needs. As well as its premium nationwide breakdown assistance service – with an expert branded patrol workforce attending more than two million breakdowns every year – and European breakdown assistance products, it offers a wide range of market-leading products across insurance, legal services, vehicle inspections and service, maintenance and repair. Included in this is the first-of-its-kind nationwide Mobile Mechanics service which brings the garage to homes and workplaces. 

At the forefront of new solutions for business fleets and consumers, the RAC’s breakdown service is electric-ready with mobile EV charging technology and be called on using myRAC – its all-in-one route planner, fuel finder and breakdown reporting app

Contact

media.rac.co.uk