Decision details

That the expansion of the diesel surcharge to all Westminster Parking Zones for pre-2015 registration diesel vehicles be approved.

That the maintenance of the 50% surcharge on the hourly pay to park rate levied, first piloted as part of the Zone F trial be approved.

That the publication of Variation Notices issued under Section 46A of the Road Traffic Regulation Act (“The 1984 Act”), in order to give effect to the recommended change above be approved.

That the exclusion at this stage of older (pre-2006) petrol vehicles in the surcharge be approved.

That to not apply the diesel surcharge to taxi and coach pay-to-park bays, market trader bays, Parking Cards (scratchcards) or Trades Permits be approved.

That to decommission all remaining Payment Terminals city-wide be approved.

That to initiate the roll out of these policies in line with the timings set out in this report.

Reasons for decision

The proposed policy will improve air quality across the city, through discouraging disproportionately polluting older diesel vehicles from making journeys into and across the city. This policy is in line with the council’s commitments to a healthier and greener city set out in City for All and Greener City Action Plan strategies.

The council signalled its commitment to the policy in its April 2018 Air Quality Manifesto, subject to a public consultation. The consultation held July – September 2018 received over 1300 responses, with clear support for expanding the diesel surcharge across the city as quickly as feasible. Support for the diesel surcharge was strongest among Westminster residents. Consultation responses have fed into recommendations 2.1, 2.2 and 2.4 of this report.

Recommendations 2.5 and 2.6 are made on the grounds of practicality and cost. These mirror decisions made with regards the original surcharge trial in Parking Zone F.