London Launches “Green” Parking Scheme

London is introducing a tiered parking fee program based on a vehicle’s tailpipe emissions.

Under the scheme, which will launch at select locations next week in London’s main business district, vehicles will be grouped into four categories. Those deemed to be the worst polluters will be assessed a 70% parking premium over electrified vehicles, while gasoline vehicles built after 2004 and diesels built after 2014 will be charged 30% extra.

The program will employ specially equipped parking meters developed by U.K.-based RingGo Corp. The system will automatically assess the type of vehicle being parked and charge tariffs based on the level of pollution emitted by the vehicle.

The multiple-rate system will be in affect on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Additional premiums will be charged if motorists pay by cash instead of using RingGo’s digital app.

RingGo has tested the system elsewhere in London, but this will be the first time different parking rates will be charged based on a car’s emissions rating. City officials say the goal is to encourage and reward drivers of environmentally friendly vehicles to help improve air quality.

London has introduced several other initiatives aimed at curbing emissions in recent years. They include plans to debut a citywide, ultra-low-emissions zone by 2021 under which non-compliant vehicles will be charged £12.50 ($16.75) per day.

London has exceeded European Union air quality standards—mainly in the form of excessive nitrogen oxides emitted by diesels—for eight years.