Emissions-based parking charges in Plymouth: Part of the City’s Net Zero Action Plan

by | Jul 18, 2025 | Hybrid and Electric, Tips

Plymouth City Council is exploring emissions-based parking charges as a novel tool in its drive to achieve net zero by 2030. Under this proposal, motorists would pay to park in council-controlled spaces based on the carbon emissions of their vehicles. The policy aims to reward low-emission cars with lower tariffs while encouraging owners of higher-polluting vehicles to consider cleaner alternatives. Although the exact fee structure remains undecided, we will update this blog once the Council confirms charges.

Why Plymouth needs emissions-based charges

Transport contributes the largest share of Plymouth’s greenhouse gas emissions, making it a key focus for climate action. Recognising this, the council’s new Net Zero Action Plan (NZAP) includes investigating “emissions-based vehicle charging tariffs” by 2026 to incentivise sustainable travel choices and support local zero-carbon projects. By adjusting parking fees to reflect a vehicle’s tailpipe emissions, the council hopes to nudge drivers towards cleaner vehicles, reduce overall pollution levels, and fund further climate initiatives.

How emissions-based parking charges work

Rather than a flat rate, an emissions-based tariff uses a sliding scale tied to a vehicle’s official CO₂ emissions rating. For example, petrol and diesel cars with higher emissions could face premium charges, while electric vehicles (EVs) and ultra-low emission models would pay the lowest or even zero fees. Similar schemes in Reading, Bath, Bristol and boroughs such as Greenwich and Hackney have demonstrated how tiered pricing can shift consumer behaviour, although not without controversy over equity and effectiveness.

It’s not a ULEZ or Congestion Zone

Despite comparisons to London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone, Plymouth’s plan stops short of a formal ULEZ or congestion charge. Cabinet member for environment and climate change, Cllr Tom Briars-Delve, stressed: “This is not ULEZ or a congestion zone… we hope simply to identify a mild behaviour change nudge”. The council emphasises that any future charges would focus solely on parking tariffs rather than daily road-use fees, maintaining existing traffic access and speed limits.

Aligning with the Net Zero Action Plan

The Net Zero Action Plan for 2025–28, approved in March 2025, is Plymouth’s three-year roadmap to cut council-owned emissions and leverage its influence over the wider city. Transport, buildings and behavioural change are the plan’s three pillars. Emissions-based parking charges fall under the transport commitments, alongside EV charging infrastructure and piloting e-scooter schemes. By embedding pricing reforms into the NZAP, the council can ensure parking revenue supports carbon reduction projects across Plymouth.

The consultation and what’s next

Before any charges are introduced, Plymouth City Council will undertake comprehensive public and business engagement. Consultation is expected in late 2025, with detailed proposals published once technical and financial assessments conclude. At this stage, “no decisions have been made on the scale or geographical extent” of emissions-based tariffs, and residents will have the opportunity to feed back on potential charges and zones.

What drivers in Plymouth need to know

Currently, Plymouth’s on-street parking averages around £1.15 per hour and up to £8.50 for a full day, among the lowest in the South West. Under emissions-based charges, these standard rates could be adjusted upwards for higher-emitting cars, while EVs and hybrids may benefit from reduced or even free parking in designated bays. Council officers note that petrol and diesel owners should prepare for potential cost increases, but stress that any hikes will be carefully modelled to avoid undue hardship.

Benefits and Challenges

Emissions-based parking charges can deliver multiple benefits, lower air pollution in busy areas, reduced CO2 output, enhanced funding for green mobility, and stronger alignment with UK net-zero commitments. However, critics warn the policy could disproportionately affect lower-income residents who cannot afford newer, cleaner vehicles and may have limited access to public transport. Balancing fairness and environmental impact will be crucial during the consultation phase.

Learning From Other Cities

Bath introduced emissions-based rates despite 80% of consultation respondents opposing higher fees for dirty vehicles, yet saw a modest shift towards greener cars and increased revenue to fund cycle lanes. Reading’s sliding-scale scheme aims to raise around £300,000 annually for climate projects, while parts of London boroughs, such as Hammersmith & Fulham, reported mixed results on travel behaviour change. Plymouth can draw on these case studies to design a scheme that maximises climate gains with minimal social burden.

Timeline for implementation

  • 2025: Feasibility studies, data-gathering and cost modelling.

  • Late 2025: Public consultation on draft emissions-based parking tariffs.

  • Early 2026: Revised proposal published incorporating feedback.

  • Mid-2026: Council decision on final fee structure and implementation zones.

  • Late 2026: Phased roll-out of emissions-based parking charges across key city centre and district car parks.

Staying informed

As details emerge, this blog will be updated with confirmed charge levels, maps of affected parking bays, and guidance for residents and businesses. Motorists are encouraged to follow Plymouth City Council’s social media channels and sign up for the council’s email bulletins to receive the latest information on emissions-based parking charges.

Emissions-based parking charges in Plymouth represent a targeted, revenue-neutral approach to cutting transport emissions without the extensive restrictions of a ULEZ. By tying parking levies to a car’s environmental performance, Plymouth aims to encourage cleaner travel choices, support its 2030 net-zero goal, and reinvest in sustainable city projects. The council’s commitment to transparent engagement and evidence-based policy design should ensure that when fees are finally set, they strike a fair balance between environmental priorities and residents’ practical needs. Stay tuned for the next update once the charges are announced.

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