Islington proposes new diesel surcharge to reduce emission

A new diesel surcharge for resident parking permits has been proposed by Islington Council. It is thought that the surcharge could help toward the improvement of air quality in the borough.

Vehicles that run on diesel fuel can create up to four times more nitrogen oxide emissions and 20 times more small particulate pollution than engines that use petrol. As well as this, particulates produced by diesel have been linked to a range of life-threatening diseases, included lung damage, cancer and heart disease. They can also cause the onset of asthma and are related to other health issues among vulnerable people.

Research from the World Health Organization (WHO) also revealed that diesel emission exposure can result in an increase in the likelihood of developing lung cancer. 

The number of diesel vehicles in use has increased in recent years, partly due to the previous use of EU financial incentives that encourage diesel use in a bid to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. However, new petrol engines now produce the same levels of carbon dioxide.

Islington Council has now proposed a surcharge of £96 per year - around £1.85 per week - for residents with parking permits for diesel vehicles in an attempt to encourage people to move away from using the fuel.


If approved, the surcharge will come into effect in April. 

Some vehicles will be exempt from the surcharges, such as those used by carers, trades people for work and taxis.

Councillor Claudia Webbe, executive member for environment and transport for Islington Council, said: "We're committed to improving air quality in Islington, and diesel fumes are a major cause of air pollution.

"Pollutants in diesel exhausts have been linked to heart and lung diseases, which are major causes of serious and long-term health issues and even death in Islington, and the surcharge will encourage a move away from diesel.

"We also need the Mayor of London to do his share, especially replacing high-polluting buses and tackling polluting lorries that travel through our streets."

Published 21st January, 2015

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