Drivers hit with fees six times higher than before under 'outrageous' crackdown

13 August 2023 , 22:07

483     0

The proposed increase in costs have been called 'outrageous' (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Motorists could be slapped with parking fines that are six times higher than they currently are due to a council's new crackdown.

Drivers within the London borough of Hackney may see a significant rise from £200 to £1,200 over the coming years. The sixfold increase in charges is part of the council's aim to penalise petrol and diesel vehicles - the most polluting type of vehicles.

The annual estate parking permit for diesel vehicles in Hackney will cost £213 this year. Yet by the end of the decade parking fee costs for certain drivers will jump up to a huge £1,249.

This will also include a £200 surcharge as well as a £50 increase each year. Under these costs, diesel drivers will most likely have to pay £500 extra compared to other vehicles.

While petrol motor costs with quadruple from £97 to £433 over five years. However, anyone driving an electric vehicle will only have to pay £10 extra over the same period.

'UK's most neglected street with post-apocalyptic scenes like The Last of Us'

In contrast, electric vehicle drivers will only have to pay £10 extra over the same period. Save London Motorcycling labelled the drastic cost increases as "outrageous".

The group told the Telegraph: “The fact that they want to increase these already outrageous charges every year just adds insult to injury. If this carries on, some riders will soon have to pay over £1,000 for the tiny bit of parking space they use.” While the council’s lead on transport and environment, Mete Coban, said: “In developing our parking charges, we’ve listened to our residents, who have asked for long-term certainty about permit prices, so they can make informed decisions.”

The news comes as Londoners with polluting cars will be entitled to a £2,000 grant under a "huge expansion" of the Ulez scrappage scheme by Sadiq Khan. The new financial support for 'non compliant' vehicles also comes as the London mayor presses ahead with the controversial extension of the ultra-low emission zone for all areas of the capital.

Steven White