Norwich City Council has become the first local authority to assign parking charges according to the length of the resident’s vehicle.  However, the scheme has come up against much criticism as many have claimed that such a proposal discriminates not only against large cars which still manage to have low emissions but also against families.  The plan will penalise drivers who own vehicles which are more than 4.45 (14 ½) metres in length, such as the Vauxhall Vectra.  The aim of the operation, which has been implemented by Norwich Highways Agency Committee (a joint initiative between the city council and Norfolk County Council), is intended as a way to “encourage more people to drive smaller cars”.  According the Brian Morrey, the committee’s vice-chairman, “it is far more environmentally friendly and would also generate more parking space on the roads”. 

Unfortunately, it seems that not everyone is sharing in Mr Morrey’s opinion as a number of motoring organisations have asserted that the measure is meaningless, as it is not an appropriate way of discriminating between eco-friendly cars and the more harmful gas-guzzlers.  The traffic enforcement company NCP has joined these challengers by strongly contending that the plan is without merit point out that a car such as the Toyota Prius would fall into the expensive parking classification, being quite a large car, though it has very low emission.  Large electric vehicles would be another example of a clear exception, being a big car which is by no means as dangerous or harmful to the environment as many of its smaller associates.

The parking tariff of cars longer than 4.45m will almost double, increasing from the current rate of £16 to £30.  Vehicles below 3.92m, such as the Vauxhall Corsa, will continue paying the present annual parking charge, whilst the fee for those residents owning transport between 3.92m and 4.45m will rise to £22.  An RAC spokesman has purported that this new system, dividing cars into three categories of length, will “discriminate against families with children” as they are more likely to drive longer vehicles such as estate cars.

Not only will the scheme be controversial and, to many, irritating, it will also be expensive.  At a cost of £36, 000 to implement the idea, with funding coming from the EU Civitas project, it is unclear as yet whether the changes will be worthwhile.  Other councils are likely to watch with interest in order to determine whether or not they should follow suit.  Richmond, in South-West London, became the first area to place a £300 levy on gas-guzzlers and 4×4s, with Hackney acting similarly by penalising residents who own cars with large engines.

Here at 247 Parking we don’t discriminate according to your choice of vehicle so if you would like to park in a secure, well-lit environment (without having to get your ruler out!) why not fill out an enquiry form for a free quotation.  You’ll be surprised to find out how cheap parking in Central London could be!