Teignbridge Council Debate: Older cars to face higher parking charges?
By matt2009 | Monday, March 08, 2010, 10:36
Is it really green to encourage drivers to change their cars? That’s the issue open for debate as today Teignbridge Council considers charging staff with older cars a higher rate for parking.
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Ageist? Higher charges for older cars.
The BBC first reported that the authority is proposing to scrap free parking at its Newton Abbot headquarters and instead implement a two-tier charge – cars made before January 2001 will be charged £1 a day; those built afterwards will be charged at a rate of 50p a day.
The aim of the proposal is to increase the number of staff that cycle, walk or catch the bus to work.
Teignbridge Council prides itself on being a ‘green’ authority – but have they gone too far with this idea?
Since this proposed scheme was reported the idea has been commented on and generally lambasted across the web.
Popular blogging site Nanny Knows Best even went as far to name Teignbridge Council as their ‘Prats of the Week’.
Unions have also commented that it is extremely unfair to levy such a charge as many of the drivers of older vehicles are lower-paid and can’t afford to buy newer vehicles.
Christine Bolton of the union Unison told the BBC that her car is registered prior to 2001 meaning she would be subjected to the higher charges – however, she questions how green it is considering the energy that is needed to produce new cars.
Council leader Alan Connett stated that because of the comments from unions and staff, the council is “not likely to proceed with the two-tier charging system”.
However he added that the council does believe in a green travel plan and wants to encourage the use of buses, bicycles and other transport methods that are more environmentally friendly.
The proposal will go before Teignbridge's Executive committee today.
As my car – a Nissan Micra – is a 1990 model, I’m glad I don’t work for Teignbridge Council!!
Comments
UPDATE:
The staff parking scheme was approved, but is subject to full consultation with Unions, staff, and the Chief Executive.
Some important changes were made to the report before it was approved, including:
Removing two-tier charging based on the age of the vehicle - instead it will be a 50p per day flat rate charge.
The system will be 'pay on the day' rather than a set amount deducted from salaries, meaning that staff only pay for the days they use the car park.
There may be more time allotted for free parking for visitors (currently suggested at one hour).
Reduced or waived charges for electric/hybrid cars, and also car sharers, will be considered.
A council spokesman said: “The important thing to note is that money raised from staff parking at Forde House does NOT go in to our general reserves (as parking charges in normal car parks does). It will be specifically reserved for funding the Green Travel Plan, so measures like improved bike parking facilities, cycle training etc.”
By matt2009 at 09:10 on 10/03/10
ReportWell how stupid. Surely it would be better to charge for large cars, rather than old ones. Say with an engine size over 1.6? A small old car must be more environmentally friendly than a new gas guzzler. Not to mention that they appear to be targetting those least able to afford an increased charge. Just daft - please reconsider Council
By Ginny48 at 15:25 on 08/03/10
ReportI love how organisations often play the 'green card' to make extra money. Teignbridge no different.
By bigsteve2009 at 13:30 on 08/03/10
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