British Gas Guzzlers to Pay More to Park - AP

[Eugene]

British Gas Guzzlers to Pay More to Park


Tuesday January 30, 2007 9:01 PM

AP Photo LMD102

By COURTNEY FRENCH

Associated Press Writer

LONDON (AP)- Residents of a London suburb will soon pay annual parking fees
based on how much carbon dioxide their cars emit, penalizing owners of gas
guzzlers. Officials in Richmond, west of the capital, agreed Monday to levy
a sliding scale of charges based on emissions, meaning the biggest polluters
will pay $590 a year for a permit to park on the street.

The charges, which will come into force in May, have sparked debate among
environmental groups claiming a victory against pollution and car owners alleging
unfair treatment.

"Climate change is the defining issue of our age - it is clear that we must all change
our behavior to combat its effects," said Serge Lourie, leader of the Richmond Council.
"For our council, this is just the first step in a long process that will see us bring
forward policies to move our borough and council to lower carbon emissions."

Nine other councils, including one for central London, have expressed an interest in
similar plans, Lourie said.

-snip-

Full article: http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,,-6381823,00.html

[hlthe2b]

1. SORRY, Drivers of big ass SUVs...including any Lib/Progressives

(and yes, I live in Colorado, where one could possibly make the case for needing one, so I know, I know.....)

But, I sincerely hope this starts a trend over here, too.

[FuzzyDicePHL]

2. This seems completely fair.

IMO it would also be fair for people to pay more per-gallon for fuel based on their vehicle's emissions.

[Javaman]

3. What is done with the additional revenue? Does it go to combatting

climate change?