Councillors are to take a fresh look today at proposals to abolish the current discounts for Respark permits.
15 years ago, the then LibDem led Council, introduced discounts for the owners of short, low pollution cars. The intention was to make maximise the use of kerbside space, while providing a modest incentive for drivers to buy low emission models.
Under Tory proposals, discounts would only apply to Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEVs). Essentially these are electric and plug in hybrids.
The proposers omitted to tell people that no “on street” charging facilities are available in York.
Hence, in effect, the discounts are being abolished.
Perhaps surprisingly the move to retain the traditional discounts comes from Green Councillors. They have something of a vested interest as they represent areas with many ResPark zones.
Small cars will lose their discount
They risk being characterised as opposing low emission transport; perhaps a parallel with the Tory government decision to abolish emission based Vehicle Excise Duty bandings in favour of rates based on a vehicles purchase price.
Both positions are counter intuitive to the party’s traditional positions.
Hopefully LibDem and Labour Councillors will get behind the rethink and support a more logical approach to ResPark charges.
The change could lead to a “hole” in the Councils income budget for next year. This could mean a 5% general increase in permit prices.