Diesel car owners have had a torrid few years as a result of the fallout from the VW Dieselgate scandal.
There is seemingly no respite for UK diesel drivers, despite them buying them in good faith on endorsements from previous Governments.
Now, in yet more bad news for diesel motorists, inflated parking permits could be required which will cost a premium.
In areas of London, diesel car owners face a 300 per cent increase to the cost of residents’ parking permits.
The reason for these proposed permit increases is due to a growing concern with air pollution and emissions in the Capital.
The cars hit the hardest by the increase will be diesel and high polluting cars. Motorists face paying £350 for permits for some of the most polluting vehicles under the proposals.
One of the councils proposing to adopt the permits is Kingston which would make it among the most expensive in London, reports Evening Standard.
Currently, on-street parking permits cost a flat rate of £90. Under the proposals, there would be a levy applied to the most polluting vehicles and those with a diesel engine, taking costs to £350 – an increase of 288 per cent.
Cabinet member for environment Hilary Gander said: “In Kingston, air pollution is estimated to contribute to the equivalent of one in 20 deaths.
“We want to protect the health of our residents by encouraging people to use more environmentally friendly forms of transport and [discourage] unnecessary car journeys.”
Kevin Davis, conservative opposition leader on the council, argued that the proposals are just a ‘driveway’ tax.
“It’s a nonsense,” he said.
He added: “It’s a driveway tax. If you are rich enough for a garage or driveway, then you’re fine.”
Some residents have expressed their concern about the so-called “driveway tax” saying that it affects the motorists who cannot afford a new car the most and those who have to park on the road.
This proposal comes as the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan looks to introduce the Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) next week which will charge drivers £12.50 a day to use.
Find out everything you need to know about the ULEZ here.
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