War on diesel drivers ‘a cash grab in green clothing’

A LABOUR council which introduced a 25 per cent tax on parking fees for diesel cars has been accused of dressing up a money-making measure as an environmental initiative.

Haringey council said this week that drivers of diesel cars must pay extra to leave their vehicles in car parks and on-street parking bays.

The council began charging diesel-driving residents an extra 25 per cent for annual parking permits in 2021.

After this week’s announcement that “surcharge” will be expanded to cover car parks and on-street parking bays outside shops and GP surgeries.

Cllr Mike Hakata, deputy leader of Haringey council, said: “We hope this initiative will make people think twice about using diesel vehicles.

“Our borough is home to nearly 300,000 residents and by taking decisive action to enhance air quality, we are not only safeguarding the environment but also prioritising the health and wellbeing of our residents – particularly those living above shops along our high streets This is just another step forward in our commitment to tackling the concerning rise in chronic respiratory conditions such as COPD and asthma.”

Haringey charges £3.63 per hour for its most expensive bays in “high usage areas”, meaning diesel drivers must pay £4.54 per hour to stop off outside shops, schools and GP surgeries. The increased charges were imposed from March 1.

Luke Bosdet, an AA spokesman, said Haringey’s move was a money-making exercise dressed in green clothing.

“Councils across London have seized the opportunity to guzzle cash from residents who have no option but to park on the street outside their homes,” he said. “Diesel cars have been a regular target and, with a dwindling pool of such vehicles, councils have decided to increase parking costs to keep the money rolling in – dressing up the move as an environmental measure.”

He added that although the council called the increase a “charge”, the term “reflects the cost of providing a service”.

“Anything beyond what is a reasonable cost of parking is therefore a tax,” said Mr Bosdet, citing House of Commons discussions from 2009 on taxes versus charges.