Richmond-upon-Thames residents may have to pay more for parking permits if they own high emission cars and park them on the street under plans proposed by the Liberal Democrat Council.

The sliding scale based on the vehicles CO2 emissions as set out in the governments car tax bands could also see the price of permits waived for the greenest cars, however most residents will see their bill increased.

If the plans are approved, permits could rise up to £300, currently at £190 with 50% extra payable for those with more than one car.

The cut-off point to avoid an increase is 151g/km of CO2, roughly equivalent to a 1.4-litre petrol supermini.  After this the bill goes up significantly with vehicle over 225g/km seeing an increase of over 200%.  You can save 50% if your cars emissions are below 120g/km and nothing is payable for electric cars.

Drivers of highly polluting cars already pay more for their Road Fund Licence (see below link) and TFL are considering introducing CO2 emission banding for the London Congestion Charge.