In April 2017, in response to a national health emergency and the Mayor of London’s pledge to cut air pollution in the capital, the Council introduced a new charge for all diesel vehicles holding a Resident, Business or Trade parking permit in the boroughs’ Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs). 

In response to some feedback received and to maintain consistency in terms of approach and  charging regime within CPZs, the Council is now proposing the introduction of a £150 diesel surcharge to Teacher’s permits. This will be phased over a 3 year period - £90 in 2017/18, £115 in 2018/19 and £150 in 2019/20. 

To further encourage the use of cleaner vehicles, the Teacher’s permit charge for all-electric vehicles would be discounted by £40 per year, applied pro-rata.  A network of electric vehicle charging points in Merton has recently been installed across the borough to meet the rising demand and popularity of these less polluting vehicles and more will be rolled out over the course of the year. 

The £40 reduction will also be applied to Business and Trade permits pro rata based on a minimum of a 6 months permit. 

Merton Council is committed to ensuring any money raised through this surcharge would go towards tackling air pollution, local sustainable transport initiatives and necessary infrastructure such as cycle lanes and other initiatives including outside schools.

The Council will review the effectiveness of the surcharge in two years’ time with a view of introducing a comprehensive emissions-based parking scheme which could link permit pricing to the vehicle’s environmental performance. The Council is also developing its Air Quality Action plan that will identify other actions the Council will be undertaking.

Full details and reports relating to this decision can be viewed on the Council's website at www.merton.gov.uk/diesellevy.

To apply the electric vehicle reduction to Teacher’s Permits, Business and Trade permits and also to apply the diesel surcharge to Teachers’ permits it is necessary to undertake a statutory consultation to amend all the Traffic Management Orders pertaining to Controlled Parking Zones. This statutory consultation will start on 22 June 2017 and will conclude on 14 July 2017.

Representations against this proposal must be made in writing to futureMerton (Traffic & Highways) Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden, SM4 5DX or e mail trafficandhighways@merton.gov.uk by no later than 14 July 2017 quoting reference ES/dieselsurchargeteacherpermits.  Elements must relate only to the elements of this proposal that is subject to this statutory consultation. The Council is required to give weight to the nature and content of your representations and not the quantity. Your reasons are, therefore, important to us. 

A copy of the Traffic Management orders (TMOs) and the Council’s Statement of reasons can be inspected at Merton link, Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden, Surrey, SM4 5DX as well as on the Council’s website. Copies will also be available at local libraries.