Dictatorial policy on cutting emissions

Reducing emissions is a worthy objective, but it is a highly emotive subject with many claims, and one needs to keep one’s feet on the ground

With this in mind, B&NES Council proposes to increase parking charges for non-complaint vehicles and at the same time give a 90% discount for green electric vehicles.

One recalls the Government’s push some years ago to have us all drive diesel cars. We purchased two and indeed there was a benefit, because at the time they were more efficient with new diesel technology, and we paid a bit less for fuel: until they decided that they got it wrong and upped the tax on diesel making it more expensive than petrol. Once bitten twice shy.

So I have scrutinised B&NES’ current proposals carefully.

The emissions cost of the original manufacture of older vehicles is sunk. But a new vehicle, no matter how green or efficient, represents a new emissions hit before it even takes to the road.

An electric car is only as green as the electricity it uses. In the UK it is 40% green because fossil fuels continue to generate 60% of energy. Yet the council would offer electric vehicle owners a 90% discount on parking charges

Far better would be parking charges for residents based upon both the emissions profile of the vehicle and mileage. A standard fee might be taken along the lines of the current proposals but a discount might be given if annual mileage (from MOTS) is reduced from national average mileage.

Similarly the option would be there to levy an increased charge for mileage over the national average. The absurdity of a 10% parking charge for electric vehicle should also be cured. No more than a 40% discount is warranted if emissions are taken into account

It is hard to believe that a democratically elected council would turn upon the older population and those less well off, the more so with an ivory tower policy which whilst headline grabbing is ill founded.

There is nothing liberal about this policy, more it is dictatorial and oppressive.

If implemented the decent people of Bath will have their chance of a real consultation, and not a sham as here I fear, at the next election.

Gerard Churchhouse Bath