Haringey Council has introduced a surcharge for parking in on-street bays across the borough, after residents called for tougher action on higher polluting vehicles.
From 1 March 2024, diesel vehicle users will now have to pay a 25% extra for parking in on-street bays. Implementation reaffirms the council’s commitment to prioritise health and wellbeing of residents in Haringey as well as combating the detrimental effects of air pollution.
According to Asthma and Lung UK, air pollution caused by vehicle emissions, especially diesel engines, is a significant cause of poor health and is having devastating impacts on people’s lungs and can lead to respiratory issues such as coughing, wheezing, and exacerbation of conditions like asthma.
Additionally, diesel emissions increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes, by causing inflammation and damage to blood vessels.
Cllr Mike Hakata, Deputy Leader of the council and cabinet Member for Climate Action, Environment, and Transport said: “Our borough is home to nearly 300,000 residents and by taking decisive action to enhance air quality, we are not only safeguarding the environment but also prioritising the health and wellbeing of our residents - particularly those living above shops along our high streets.
“Haringey is a borough full of opportunities and talent – we want to ensure this continues and give people every chance to flourish. Therefore, it is vital that we invest in our community and their health and act fast where necessary. We hope this initiative will make people think twice about using diesel vehicles.
“This is just another step forward in our commitment to tackling the concerning rise in chronic respiratory conditions such as COPD and asthma. Together, we can help build a better, healthier and more sustainable Haringey.”
The council is continually working to deliver its Air Quality Action Plan which was produced in response to the London Local Air Quality Management policy guidance. This project outlines the steps that have been taken to improve air quality in Haringey between 2019-2024.
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