Ben Stephens, Head of Parking Services

Chris Lee, Director of Environment and Regeneration introduced the item and explained why Merton is consulting on changes to charges and why now. Introducing emissions based charging was always planned, but in the last consultation the proposed changes did not include emissions as the technology to deliver it was not available.

Covid-19 has meant that public transport not available so during the lockdown we saw a move nationally to encourage much more active travel. In outer London car use now at 150% of previous levels so this is an issue that still needs addressing. We have delayed this consultation due to lock down, as the proposal was originally agreed to go out to consultation in the spring.

The proposed approach builds on the previous consultation. We do not have control over vehicles passing through the borough so we know the proposals do not take into account movement of vehicles. However, it is important to take a proportionate approach to the tools we have.   

Ben Stephens, Head of Parking Services gave a presentation on the details of the proposals and the presentation is attached to this report. Ben explained that more than half of London boroughs either have or are introducing some form of emissions based charging. It is proposed that a supplementary charge based on the approach in the London ULEZ scheme will replace the current diesel levy. The consultation will remain open until 23 October 2020.

FOLLOWING THE MEETING: the consultation was extended to 26 October.

Cllr Holden asked how many people in Morden will be impacted and how this compares to other areas. Ben said that this proposals affects all controlled parking zones, on-street parking and off-street parking. The majority of CPZs are in Wimbledon, with many also in Morden, Colliers Wood and Raynes Park. There are fewer controlled zones in Mitcham.

The busiest on street and off street parking is in town centres.

Cllr Foley asked how many of 57% who responded in favour of emissions charging were car owners and how many responses were there. Ben said there were nearly 3000 responds to consultation, but will need to check the figures.

FOLLOWING the meeting these figures were checked. 2746 people responded to the question on whether they agreed Merton Council should prioritise lower polluting vehicles by offering a lower parking charge over highly polluting vehicles. Of these 532 (19%) strongly agreed and 1037 (38%) agreed. 2558 said they owned a car, and 18% of car owners strongly, and 37% agreed. Non-car owners were more likely to strongly agree (39%) with 32% also agreeing.

Cllr Southgate asked that as TfL has extended bus lanes extended to 24/7 will Merton do the same. Chris Lee said we have no plans will keep this under review as it will depend on congestion levels

Cllr Draper asked if we could include a wider range of examples explaining the impact and also asked if there would be special cases. Chris said we can add examples to website. We have completed Equalities Impact Assessment and will use this to inform decision. We already have a carer’s permit which will not be increased. We do not have a policy around low pay. Business permits may increase depending on the emissions of the vehicle but would be significantly reduced if they move to an electric vehicle.

A resident asked if existing scratchcards be still be excepted, and Ben confirmed Merton would honour any already sold.

A resident asked if any additional income would be spent on improving roads. Chris said that it is prescribed by law that any parking income has to be spent on transport. A number of areas could be invested in with any additional income to improve infrastructure.

Cllr Crowe said that emission taxes should be fairly applied but this discriminates against CPZ areas, would it be possible to put all areas into a CPZ and then only charge the emissions element. Chris said that current CPZ arrangements are currently based on residents petitioning for them, so whilst this idea would have a logic, would break this policy. We would welcome ideas to be submitted as part of consultation.