More charges on the way for drivers in Merton

By Tara O’Connor, Local Democracy Reporter

Merton’s motorists could soon see another increase in parking charges, this time based on emissions.

In January this year, charges increased in certain areas of the borough with good public transport links – this saw on-street parking in Wimbledon town centre rise to £4.50 an hour from £1.20-2.40.

A public consultation on plans to charge more for high polluting cars to park in Merton has now started.

But if you have car which emits less CO2, you could end up paying less for your car parking permit.

For on-street parking and car parks the proposal is for an extra £1.50 charge if the car does not meet minimum emissions standards.

Generally, cars manufactured before 2006 (petrol) and 2017 (diesel) do not meet emissions standards.

At a meeting on Tuesday, Ben Stephens, head of parking at the council, said: “We are not alone, a lot of London councils are using emissions-based charging.

“We are very mindful of the Covid issues, and through this consultation we will take them into consideration and build them into our proposals.

“Nothing has been decided, this is a consultation and we want to hear everybody’s views.”

The consultation on the proposals is open until October 23. If accepted, the new rules would apply to every area of the borough that currently has a controlled parking zone (CPZ).

Pictured top: Drivers of older cars could soon face extra charges