More polluting cars face higher parking charges

People who drive cars which emit more pollution will now be charged higher amounts for resident parking permits in part of East Sussex.

From 2 April this year, there will be an increase in the cost for on-street parking and the introduction of a new scheme which would take into account a vehicles' C02 emissions.

Higher polluting vehicles would pay between £60 and £103 a year, while vehicles which generate less than that amount will only pay £17 a year.

East Sussex County Council said the charges would improve air quality, but local businesses have expressed worries that customers would be deterred from visiting the high street.

The changes would affect four parking zones in Bexhill, two in Rye and one in Battle.

There will also be increases in pay and display on-street parking tariffs. For Bexhill, prices will go up by around £1 on average.

An East Sussex County Council spokesperson said: "When the county council took over responsibility for on-street parking in Rother in 2020, charges were set at a lower level and have not changed significantly since.

"This reduces the influence the charges have on travel choices."

Officers said the emissions charge would "facilitate the uptake of vehicles with cleaner fuels" and reduce pollution within the county.

Paul Crone, owner of Priceless Tools in Bexhill, told BBC Radio Sussex: "My customers don't like the charges full stop, a lot won't come to town anymore.

"It's killing the high street in my opinion."

Mr Crone estimated there was between 20% to 30% less footfall since parking charges came to the seafront in September 2020.

Costs for business permits, visitor permits and second vehicles would also increase under the proposed scheme.

Emissions-based pricing would not apply to disabled parking permits which would be set at a flat rate of £7 for 12-months.

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